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.
Defensiveness destroys customer relationships by Debra J. Schmidt
On a recent trip that was part of a group tour, one of the guests was extremely upset. It had taken nearly an hour for his family to be checked in at our hotel. This occurred after we had just completed an eight-hour plane ride followed by a five-hour bus trip.
While this same family was finally getting settled in their room, the tour bus departed without them. The entire group was on their way to attend a professional soccer game in Valencia. The tour guide never noticed that the family had been left behind. When we arrived at the stadium, several guests pointed out that this family was missing. The tour guide chose not to return to the hotel to retrieve them even though it was only 20 minutes away. He simply shrugged and stayed for the game.
Communication
Creating a positive work culture by Brenda Loube, MS
How do you create a positive work culture? Any effort to develop this kind of work culture must begin by defining what “corporate culture” means. This term refers to the shared values, beliefs, attitudes, business principles, standards and traditions that characterize the team members or employees and the internal work environment of an organization. Corporate culture defines the nature and quality of life at work. It is embedded in an organization’s goals, strategies, structures and business practices.
moreManagement
How to 'energize' your marketing by Colin Milner
In a year when both presidential candidates have made renewable energy part of their party’s election platform, it seems only fitting to highlight a less publicized energy shortage—one not experienced at the gas pumps. I am referring to the population’s low levels of personal energy.
Whether due to poor sleep habits, inactivity, caring for family members, long commutes and work hours, poor nutrition, drug interactions, stress, depression, boredom, or a myriad of other factors, people lack energy. This energy shortage affects older adults, in particular. And the business world has taken notice.
Marketing
Johnson City's Quest for the Best inspires participation and community
“Where the pioneer spirit began.” That’s Johnson City, Tennessee, according to the local Chamber of Commerce. A frontier that grew into a railway hub, Johnson City was recently recognized by Forbes and Inc. magazines as one of the “best small places for business and careers” and “hottest small cities,” respectively. Almost half-a-million people live in the bright light that is the Johnson City metropolitan area. But the city itself has a population of just over 60,000. Johnson City Seniors’ Center, a nonprofit agency and division of local government, supports the well-being of older adults in this northeastern Tennessee town, as it has for more than 45 years.
moreInnovator awards
Cultivating a water exercise program using an evaluation approach Part three: probing the depths of water exercise equipment by Mary E. Sanders, PhD, FACSM
During parts one and two of “Cultivating a water exercise program using an evaluation approach,” we applied an evaluation framework to develop an evidence-based, participant-centered water fitness program. In this third and final section, we’ll use the same framework to cultivate equipment-based programs that offer expanded options for personalized and progressive training.
A systematic evaluation approach provides a lens for program change. At each step in parts one and two, questions helped us focus on critical areas. Starting with the big picture, we grounded our systematic approach by determining core values that would provide a foundation for the evaluation, mapped out resources, and anticipated short- and long-term outcomes.
Program management
Secrets of successful tennis programs for adults past 50 by Ron Woods, PhD, and Kathy Woods
You probably already know that tennis is fun to play, provides great physical exercise and challenges players mentally as they try to outwit opponents. In spite of the sport’s inherent attributes, much more is needed for a tennis program to succeed with adults past 50. To plan and implement a successful program, you have to understand this customer’s needs, have a grasp of the possible formats for play, and provide flexible offerings to attract and retain players of various skill levels or playing experience.
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