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.
Serendipity: celebrating Chicago's seniors on stage by Terry Fay, BA
Eddie Sullivan struts across the stage in a crisp tuxedo, his clear voice backed by a 16-piece orchestra, captivating thousands in the audience at the grand Chicago Theatre. He’s a doorman by day—and an encored sensation at Serendipity: Celebrating Chicago’s Seniors on Stage.
Next up are the Syncopated Seniors, a septuplet of tap dancers whose long legs flash beneath their short skirts. Not until the performers take a final bow does the audience learn that Nadine Washington, who took her first tap lesson at age 78, is 86 years-young.
Program profiles
Older-adult theater promotes active aging by Mark Tolladay, RTC
It’s opening night of The Pirates of Penzance. Leading lady Edie Haworth waits in the wings, adjusting her costume for the 20th time as she watches the maiden chorus flit about on stage. Hearing the introductory strains of her entrance music, Haworth takes a deep breath and steps out into the warm light of the stage to begin her vocal solo, amid appreciative murmurs. At final curtain, the energized audience applauds the cast of Gilbert and Sullivan’s playful operetta. And the older-adult theater production looks set for a successful run at San Joaquin Gardens, a continuing care retirement community in Fresno, California.
moreProgram profiles
Creativity and aging: enhancing quality of life through the arts by Jenifer Milner
“Living a creative life has the nourishing power we normally associate with food, love and faith,” writes dancer and choreographer Twyla Tharp in her book The Creative Habit. In a career spanning more than 40 years, the prolific artist has created more than 125 dances, authored 2 books, and worked in stage, film and television. Now 65, Tharp shows no signs of slowing down, much less retiring. Her 2002 excursion into Broadway—a show called “Movin Out”—won her the Tony Award for Best Choreography, and revealed a woman in full command of her creative powers.
moreWellness
Broome County programs support elders' independence
In upstate New York, participants in a pair of role-reversal programs learn skills that enhance self-esteem, build confidence and encourage independence. The older adults taking part in these programs were raised with strict gender roles and responsibilities, and they have never learned how to do tasks traditionally allocated to the opposite sex. As a result, these men and women are vulnerable in different ways when a spouse is no longer around or able to fulfill these responsibilities. To address this lack of knowledge, the Broome County Office for Aging developed Men Making Meals, an 8-week cooking course, and Tips for the Late-Blooming Handywoman, a 3-hour workshop on household repairs and maintenance.
moreInnovator awards
Active Aging Week 2006: prepare your action plan
How can you entice people who may be interested in physical activity, but are intimidated or not sure where to start? How do you keep motivated those who are currently active, but may need a new stimulus to stay engaged? Active Aging Week is the answer for both groups.
During the last week of September, organizations across North America will host special events that offer older adults an opportunity to have fun, meet new people, and learn more about how activity can improve their quality of life. It’s a great time to showcase your age-friendly facility and staff.
Health promotion
Don't skimp on training by Debra J. Schmidt
It’s a proven fact that companies that provide well-planned employee training programs will outperform their competitors. The best companies in the world spend the most on training, so their people are top-notch. You can talk all you want about great customer service or wishing more sales would come in, but until you decide how much you are willing to spend on consistent, quality training, you will never be the best in your industry.
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