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.
Working with your local physicians by Phil Page, MS, PT, ATC, CSCS
A physician’s advice is one of the most important factors in older adults deciding to exercise, yet less than 50% of these medical professionals counsel patients on this topic (Ades et al., 1992; Damush et al., 1999). In fact, doctors discuss physical activity less than 30% of the time with patients who have such risk factors for heart disease as diabetes, obesity and hypertension, according to a recent report (Ma et al., 2004).
moreMarketing
Texercise: supporting healthy living across the life span
Recognizing that individuals vary in ability to engage in healthy behaviors, the Texas Department on Aging created the Texercise health and fitness program in 1998. Today, the thriving intergenerational initiative focuses on building and strengthening the capacity of local communities to develop fitness and nutrition activities.
moreInnovator awards
Service excellence for increased retention by Julie McNeney
No matter the size of your organization, each member of your staff has a role to play in providing customer service—no exceptions. Do your staff members know they have this responsibility? what is expected of them? and how your company defines customer service? If not, you may want to take a look at your customer service strategy.
moreMotivation
People power: the influence of helping relationships on physical activity by Michele Guerra, MS, CHES
Sometimes it takes a village to get people physically active. In my case, all it took was Judy.
Several years ago, when I was managing a health promotion program at our local hospital, my coworker and I decided to start walking together on our lunch break. Judy, tall and long-legged like myself, had a similar stride and energy level. Besides enjoying Judy’s company, I found that my midday walks relieved stress, while providing fun and needed exercise. Most importantly, though, they kept me moving.
Social wellness
Nutrition and obesity in older adults by Jenifer Milner
“Some 15 million older adults—people over the age of 51—are obese,” states Georgetown University’s Center on an Aging Society. “This represents nearly one in four older adults.” In fact, the greatest prevalence of obesity is in the 51–64 age group, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Obesity can reduce function, affect quality of life, and threaten independence. This condition can also increase the likelihood of health problems.
moreWeight management
Manufacturers weigh in on equipment for the large older adult by Colin Milner
How are manufacturers of fitness and wellness products responding to the growing market of large Baby Boomers and older adults? An information request drew responses from a number of businesses that are adjusting their products to better meet the needs of this target group. Several of these changes appear below, together with just some of the products in each category that have these features. This small sampling offers a glimpse of what is happening in the industry.
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