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.
Buyer's guide: Nordic walking poles
When looking for Nordic walking poles, it’s useful to keep in mind what they are not. Poles designed for Nordic walking are different from trekking poles and hiking poles. The poles are designed to complement the specific techniques of Nordic walking (also called fitness walking or ski walking). Plus, Nordic walkers use a pair (2) of poles.
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Basic Nordic walking for older adults by Malin Svensson, MS
Nordic walking is a great form of exercise for older adults. It can best be described as an enhancement of walking. The walker uses 2 specifically designed poles as well as a specific technique. Walking with 2 poles was invented by Finnish cross-country skiers in the 1930s as a summer training exercise. Today, Nordic walking is a fast-growing fitness exercise in Europe. In 2006, an estimated 6 million people participated in Nordic walking worldwide, according to the International Nordic Walking Association.
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Maintaining fitness across cognitive levels by Muire Lindahl
Fitness staff working in senior-living facilities frequently witness the disabling changes in residents caused by the progression of cognitive impairment. To watch a once vibrant and independent resident lose the ability of self-care can be the hardest part of the work we do. However, we needn’t watch with despair; we can advocate for the resident and continue providing opportunities for exercise as long as possible.
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Flexibility exercises for older adults By Marlyn Black
Ending an exercise session with flexibility exercises is a good way to improve range of motion and stability in older adults. As a personal trainer who works with older women, I have found that standing stretches are a good option for those clients who are not able to—or do not want to—get up and down from the floor. In a public space such as a gym or an exercise class, older people may be reluctant to lay down on the floor and perform stretches that require raising or extending their legs. Besides, older adults are seated most of the day, so they benefit from standing while exercising.
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Falls management integrates with whole-person wellness By Holly Spigner, PT
Imagine this scenario. A man sits on the edge of his bed and leans over to tie his shoes. He bends over, his head is level with his knees, he gets dizzy, and falls over. The reality of life is that people can fall—even when sitting down to tie their shoes. Falls cannot be entirely prevented, but they can be effectively managed.
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Chair dances everyone can do By Dawn Malek
Many people do not think of dancing as exercise, let alone dancing from a chair! But moving rhythmically while seated can burn calories. The Second Chance to Dance chair dance/exercise program is a gentle, but active, alternative exercise program that combines fun and fitness in an impact-free aerobic format. It is specially choreographed for older adults of all abilities, including those with heart problems, diabetes, stroke, and those in wheelchairs.
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