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- Program profiles
The American Century connects residents and celebrates their life experiences
World War II. The Andrews Sisters. Norman Rockwell. USOs. Welcome to the 1940s! Many adults who live in senior living communities today came of age during that turbulent decade. And they were shaped by the events and innovations of the 20th century—“The American Century,” as it is sometimes called. In Classic Residence by Hyatt communities last year, an initiative encouraged older adults to explore these bygone eras, share their memories, and celebrate their life experiences.
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Peak achievement: NuStep's Pinnacle Award salutes two outstanding programs
“NuStep is honored to recognize these world-class organizations and applaud their outstanding efforts,” says Sarns. “By giving older adults in the Denton community access to health and wellness education and customized fitness training, and by offering it in a social and nurturing environment, Jean Seward and the team at Seniors in Motion are giving their members the tools to improve the quality of their lives.” At Sunnyside, he continues, “Annie Shaffer and the Wellness Team create innovative—and fun—programs that help residents and employees take ownership in their wellness. As a result, there is an atmosphere of health and positivity throughout the Sunnyside community.”
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Take a month to celebrate brain health by Terry Fay
How could we show older adult residents and staff that brain health activities are all around us, every day? The answer was a Cerebral Celebration! In March, residents of 33 Senior Lifestyle Corporation communities experienced a month-long celebration of brain health awareness, learning and participation.
Cerebral Celebration took place over a month because there were too many ideas and exercises or experiences to include in a shorter amount of time. We did not want the pace to feel frantic. For the program to be appropriately challenging, 31 days would be the right window.
Program profiles
The Olympics spirit recharges a program by Mary Franklin and Dawn Boren
For many years, the annual “Signature Event” at Shell Point Retirement Community was held on a single day to create a place where residents came together for food, fellowship and entertainment. As the property grew and doubled in size, we were faced with several challenges. We saw long lines, passive activities, higher costs and operational issues. It was time to rethink the event.
The Shell Point Olympics brought new life to the Signature Event. The goals were lofty: To hold an event that was interactive, could filter through all the levels of living, and foster a sense of community. After a full week of competition and camaraderie among Shell Point residents in independent living, assisted living and continuing care, it was clear that the Olympics met the goals.
Program profiles
Innovative programs encourage participation
Each year, ICAA recognizes unique wellness programs with an Innovator Award. At the ICAA Active Aging Conference, the 2009 Innovators shared their award-winning program during a lively panel session.
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Water sports build participation by Jonathan D. Souder, MS
If you have a pool, there are two reasons to add games to your water fitness program: Fun and retention.
After teaching water exercise classes for two years, I realized the regular participants needed variety. One day I brought a beach ball to class and we started tossing it. While treading water with no flotation aids, we volleyed the ball and tried to keep it going.
