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.
Topic- Innovator awards
Good Samaritan's harp therapy program addresses residents' needs
In 2008, the Albert Lea location introduced a therapeutic harp music program that is inherently resident centered. The harp practitioner is available to visit residents on an individual basis (and their families, if desired). Her task is to become attuned to each resident and to customize the session to address the person’s specific needs at that moment. The result is a service that provides multidimensional benefits. To find out more, the Journal on Active Aging® recently asked Theresa Thorland to describe Good Samaritan’s therapeutic harp music program and how it works.
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The Academy at Shell Point involves residents in lifelong learning
Located in Fort Myers on southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast, Shell Point Retirement Community is an accredited continuing care retirement community blessed with an enviable waterfront setting, a reputation for excellence, and a history of continued improvement and growth. The nonprofit community, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2008, attributes its foundation of success to its organizational values.
“Our community was founded by The Christian and Missionary Alliance, and while the denomination is not involved in our daily operations, we are mindful of the spiritual values that guide and inspire us,” Shell Point President Peter Dys told a local newspaper last year. “We desire to serve our residents and employees in a way that honors the whole person and respects their right to enjoy as independent a lifestyle as their health will allow.” Further, “we are committed to our residents in a way that we hope improves their well-being and enhances their lifestyle.”
Innovator awards
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
