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.
Intergenerational programming: 10 ideas for family fun by Colin Milner
Today’s older adults can look forward to long relationships with their grandchildren, according to recent research. A 2002 AARP study of 1,500 grandparents found that people were 48 years-old, on average, when their first grandchild arrived, with almost half the respondents younger than 50 when this event occurred. With average life expectancy at an all-time high for Americans—74.7 years for men and 79.9 years for women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—older adults can now spend decades as grandparents. As a result, they are developing deeper relationships with their grandchildren and taking grandparenting more seriously.
moreProgram design
Dietary guidelines for healthy living
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (Dietary Guidelines) provides science-based advice to promote health and to reduce risk for major chronic diseases through diet and physical activity. Major causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States are related to poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. Some specific diseases linked to poor diet and physical inactivity include cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, and certain cancers. Furthermore, poor diet and physical inactivity, resulting in an energy imbalance (more calories consumed than expended), are the most important factors contributing to the increase in overweight and obesity in this country. Combined with physical activity, following a diet that does not provide excess calories according to the recommendations in this document should enhance the health of most individuals.
moreNutrition
Class profile: "Just Enough" group exercise class by Mary Ann Smith
The majority of participants are women, and classes are designed so that both experienced and inexperienced exercisers can participate and feel successful. Due to our quality staff, we are able to include members or guests that have limitations or aging disabilities
moreProgram profiles
Arnold Eppel: a 21st century visionary
Nearly 150,000 older adults live in Baltimore County, Maryland, a geographic area of 612 square miles. Serving this large older adult population, diverse and growing in number, presents challenges and opportunities for the Baltimore County Department of Aging (BCDA), led by the forward-thinking Arnold Eppel. Under Eppel’s leadership, the BCDA has implemented and expanded programs and services for the county’s older adults, as well as their families and caregivers. In addition, Eppel has successfully developed numerous partnerships with business and community representatives, providing the county’s older adults with a breadth of benefits.
moreTrends
Good ideas for communication
The Active Aging 2004 conference provided a wealth of experience and field-ready suggestions from presenters with many years of experience working with older adults. These are just a few of their ideas.
moreCommunication
Buyer's guide to stability balls
Stability balls--also called Swiss balls, exercise balls or physio balls--are versatile and can be used for many types of people and exercise situations. Balls are even used as chairs! As with most exercise equipment, look for commercial qualities suited for heavy-duty use by multiple people.
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