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.
Social networks promote engagement, reduce isolation, boost health by Marilynn Larkin, MA
Professionals who serve older adults know from personal experience that their members and residents feel better when they’re socially active. Now, emerging evidence shows conclusively that this is, in fact, the case. Recent studies suggest that loneliness contributes to a range of ills, from high blood pressure to pain, depression and dementia; by contrast, social interaction boosts health and quality of life.
moreSocial wellness
Using the Wii to foster social wellness by Andrew D. Lachman
Diane Savard, executive director of Aegis of Aptos, thinks she has found an activity that should keep the residents of this assisted-living community in Aptos, California, a bit more engaged and challenged—and best of all, connected to one another as well as to their relatives.
Aegis residents can no longer field grounders or serve and volley, but many are still competitive and long for the camaraderie that sports generates. Savard has set up Nintendo’s Wii Sports in the community’s activities room to give the residents a new and meaningful way to express themselves and relate to others.
Social wellness
Design a program from the outside in by Mary E. Sanders, PhD, FACSM
Instead of developing an exercise program in-house, some facilities contract with prepackaged commercial programs—a practice known as outsourcing. Such programs may offer a quick and cost-effective means to provide services. Before you sign an agreement, however, it’s important to determine if there is adequate synergy between you and an outside agency. A simple list of pros and cons (including short- and long-term impacts) may prove useful in making a decision to outsource. Questions that help you evaluate a program can also help you arrive at important insights.
moreProgram management
When silence isn't golden by Jim Clemmer
How many times have you sat through a meeting and bit your tongue when a serious workplace issue was raised—only to engage in a much franker discussion about it with colleagues outside the room? It isn’t always the issue at hand that can make people clam up. More often, it is the human dynamics present at the table or an organization’s culture that can lay the groundwork for this lack of candor at work.
moreManagement
Maximizing the potential of lay leaders by Marilynn Larkin, MA
Older adults are volunteering more now than at any time in the past 30 years, according to the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS),1 a United States federal agency that encourages Americans of all ages to serve their communities. Baby Boomers are volunteering at “sharply higher” rates than did the previous generation at midlife, and the volunteer rate for Americans ages 65 and over has increased 64% since 1974. Many of these volunteers are emerging as lay/peer leaders in active-aging settings. And both organizations and volunteers are reaping the benefits.
moreIndustry development
A garden nurtures spirituality at Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay
Since 1982, older adults have come to Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay “to live and grow and flourish, not to retire and grow old.” Located in vibrant Virginia Beach, Virginia, where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, this continuing care retirement community provides “active, waterfront retirement living” for more than 700 people ages 62 and older. A wellness lifestyle is integral to the community’s appeal.
Besides its beaches, walking trails and outdoor activities, Westminster-Canterbury features two heated pools, a fitness center, and activities, trips and classes for residents. Personal fitness training is also available for an additional cost. Some of the community’s other amenities include a chapel, library, lounge, café and a variety of dining venues overlooking the bay.
