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.
The SilverSneakers Fitness Program: empowering older adults to take control of their health
Physical activity programs for older adults come no larger than the SilverSneakers® Fitness Program from Axia Health Management. This program for Americans ages 65 and over is offered to more than 2.4 million Medicare-eligible members in 49 states through a network of over 2,100 fitness centers and class sites. Originated by HealthCare Dimensions’ Mary Swanson, the SilverSneakers model addresses inactivity in this population by involving health plans in the challenge, and by supporting, encouraging and empowering its members to make positive lifestyle changes.
moreInnovator awards
Diabetes wellness: dive into physical activity by Mary E. Sanders
Doris was surprised by her recent diabetes diagnosis. Although she’s never been an active person, Doris thought that adding only 15 lbs. (6.8 kg) of excess weight during her 70 years meant she wouldn’t be at risk for a disease commonly associated with people who are overweight or obese. She learned that even a 15-lb. weight gain increases a person’s risk of diabetes by 50%. In turn, losing as little as 11 lbs. (4.5 kg) can reduce a person’s risk of diabetes by the same percentage (Daniels, 2006).
moreDiabetes
Senior theater offers something for everyone by Bonnie L. Vorenberg
I’ll never forget when the theater bug hit me. I was in my first play in college and all I wanted to do was to rehearse and be around those weird theater people, so I hung out in the theater lobby and left only for meals, quick trips to classes and short nights in the dorm. In the years since, I’ve spent a career helping mature men and women find this same exhilaration. My 28 years as a teacher and director, and now as a speaker and writer, have shown me that by using proven techniques and reliable materials, older adults can fall in love with theater, just like I did.
moreSocial wellness
Qi Gong and Tai Chi: promoting practices that promote healthy aging by Wojtek Chodzko-Zajko, PhD, Lynn Beattie, MHA, Rita Chow, EdD, James Firman, EdD, Roger Jahnke, OMD, Chae-Hee Park, MS, Karl Rosen
In the final decades of the 20th century and the early years of the 21st, health promotion emerged as a complement to conventional medical interventions. Some examples of these innovations include disease risk management, self-care, reduction of negative drug interactions, falls and injury prevention, stress management, holistic healthcare, and mind-body medicine. An integral part of this healthcare evolution has been the growing importance of various forms of exercise modalities originating from Asia, such as Qi Gong and Tai Chi.
moreMindful exercise
Know your competitors by Colin Milner
Do you know your competitors? What business models they have? What their strengths and weaknesses are? How they use these characteristics to differentiate their product offerings? And, most importantly, do you know why people join their facilities rather than yours?
moreMarket research
Earn respect to achieve success by Debra J. Schmidt
Reputation is everything if you want to be successful. Don’t confuse reputation with image. A polished, professional appearance counts, but earning the respect of others is more important. You need to focus more on your character in order to build a great reputation. You are more likely to be successful when others respect and trust you. There are 5 character qualities that are essential to earning the respect you need in order to build a solid reputation.
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