Articles
The Journal on Active Aging brings articles of value to professionals dedicated to older-adult quality of life. Content sweeps across the active-aging landscape to focus on education and practice. Find articles of interest by searching the article archives in three ways: Enter a keyword in the articles search bar; click on search by topic; or type a keyword or phrase in the general search bar at the top of the page.
Industry directions: philosophy, roles and income for the wellness workforce by Patricia Ryan, MS
The philosophy of active aging—that people could, and should, stay involved and active as much as possible throughout the years—is still relatively new. So as organizations and individuals have embraced the concepts of active aging, they have had to examine how programs, activities and physical spaces can support quality of life for older adults. Who will connect older adults and their families to the programs, activities and spaces? How will older adults, who have been taught to be passive, learn about opportunities? And where does the promotion of healthier lifestyles fit in this picture?
moreICAA initiatives
Pathway Senior Living brings residents together through drumming and vibration circles
Pathway Senior Living promises “a sense of community and a whole new way of living life to the fullest” to older adults who reside at Pathway communities. Formed in 1997, the for-profit organization “owns, operates, manages and develops affordable and market-rate senior apartment and assisted living communities,” according to its website. The Des Plaines, Illinois-based company—which envisions a future as the premier owner and operator of affordable seniors housing in the Midwest—has 11 properties in the Chicago and Detroit areas (including two under development). At the properties currently in operation, an innovative and popular wellness offering supports the sense of community and engagement in life that underpin the Pathway Lifestyle. And this program is attracting individuals who typically avoid traditional programming.
moreInnovator awards
ICAA honors eight innovative offerings
In the words of the late economist and marketing expert Theodore Levitt, “Creativity is thinking up new things. Innovation is doing new things.” The active-aging industry, by its nature, is both. The professionals who shape this industry focus on possibilities and seek solutions to a myriad of challenges in older-adult health and well-being. As the industry has evolved, so too have the products and programs designed to promote whole-person wellness, independence and quality of life for adults ages 50 and older. These offerings are encouraging people of all ages and abilities to participate in life as fully as possible within the wellness dimensions, regardless of health conditions or socioeconomic status. This is how the International Council on Active Aging® (ICAA) defines active aging.
moreInnovator awards
How to keep your customers in a weak economy by Debra J. Schmidt
There is no such thing as business as usual during this economic downturn. When the economy is weak, you need to strengthen your customer service delivery. Now, more than ever, it’s essential to do everything possible to keep your customers from leaving. In order for companies to maintain stability, every employee needs to focus more time and energy on making customers happy. Customers’ budgets are shrinking. If you can help your customers through this tough time, you may be creating customers for life.
moreCustomer service
Workforce remains top issue at ICAA Strategy Session
Each year during Active Aging Week, the International Council on Active Aging® (ICAA) convenes the Strategy Session in the Washington, DC, area. As the think tank of the active-aging industry, Strategy Sessions bring together invited industry leaders to discuss mutual challenges. This year’s meeting took place September 23, and based on input from prior sessions, focused on the active-aging workforce. The meeting topic coincided with release of the topline results of the ICAA Salary Survey.
moreIndustry development
Survey offers a portrait of centenarians
What are the keys to longevity? A recent poll of 100 centenarians suggests the answer is staying connected to family, friends and current events.
The third annual Evercare 100@100 Survey shifts conventional stereotypes on aging by revealing that some of the oldest Americans are using the latest technologies to keep up and stay close—talking on cell phones, sending emails, “Googling” lost acquaintances, surfing Wikipedia and online dating. Conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs and Media, the survey provides a cultural portrait of 100 Americans turning 100 or older in 2008. This research provides anecdotal insight into the lives and lifestyles of centenarians—one of the fastest-growing segments of the population.
