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.
Outdoor exercise and air quality by Patricia Ryan, MS
When you listen to the nightly news or read the newspaper, you are likely to hear a short announcement of the air quality index. This number may be followed by a caution for people who are sensitive to air quality.
moreHealth conditions
Strength conditioning for walkers by Wayne Westcott, PhD
The latest research on physical activity among Americans published in January by the National Cancer Institute, National Institute for Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is almost beyond belief (Troiano et. al., 2008). Assessments of nearly 5,000 people by means of activity accelerometers revealed that only 3.5% of men and women between the ages of 20 and 60 obtain 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week. For those over age 60, the percentage of minimally active adults fell to 2.4%.
moreExercise
Flexibility exercises for walking by Julie Milner
There’s no better way to begin and end a walk than with a few stretches.
As you lead exercises before the walk, you can review the day’s agenda, check that everyone is prepared with proper footwear and water, and answer questions. During the walk, you can stop for a stretch break.
Exercise
Plan a walking program by Julie Milner
Now that spring is here and summer not far behind, it’s a good time to plan a walking program. People will be interested in going outside, and both outdoor and indoor locations offer wonderful opportunities for walks.
moreWalking
What do active older adults want? by Lisa Ackerman
A few years ago I made the transition from teaching general population group-exercise classes to teaching active older adults. This was an interesting challenge for me. I’d always loved spending time with older people–it was a treat to hear stories of their seasoned lives–but I wasn’t sure how to approach an exercise class with them. Thus, I looked to the standard educational books and fitness conference trainings for some background in this area. This information was certainly helpful in terms of understanding the aging physical body, but it occurred to me that most of the experts were like me: active but not yet “older” adults themselves.
moreMotivation
Strategies for a healthy heart by Patricia Ryan, MS
The heart is a magnificent machine. It runs day and night, without rest, over the course of a lifetime. Beating about 100,000 times during an average day, the heart’s job is to pump blood, which carries oxygen and nutrients to fuel the body’s organs and muscles.
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