Scientific research
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Access and utilize the ICAA library of scientific studies, reports and statistics to assist you with the development of your business case for wellness, program and community design and development, evidence-informed lifestyle choices and marketing strategies and approaches.
Topic- Emotional wellness
Active older adults have better quality of life
A reduction in the amount of time spent physically active when adults are over 60 years old June is linked to lower quality of life, a study of almost 1,500 adults has shown. The same was true for increases in the amount of sedentary time, such as watching TV or reading. The researchers say this highlights the need to encourage older adults to remain active.
moreEmotional wellness
Nature's soundscapes are top well-being boosters
The impact of nature's soundscapes on individual well-being during immersive forest bathing (FB) and forest therapy (FT) sessions recently was revealed in a study conducted across 35 countries involving 1142 participants. The natural elements perceived as contributing most to well-being were sound-related. This is something to bear in mind when planning nature walks and community environments.
moreEmotional wellness
Stats: 10% of 50+ population are solo agers
About 10% of the 50-plus population are solo agers – that is, older adults without a partner or children -- according to AARP's Solo Agers Survey. For the most part, these solo agers are enjoying their lives, according to the survey. They enjoy the independence that living alone affords them, and about half (49%) are somewhat or extremely optimistic about their quality of life compared to 59% of adults 50-plus overall. They could be a growing customer base for independent living, as these findings show:
moreEmotional wellness
Emotional wellbeing linked to women's gut health
A recent study linked bacteria in our gut to positive emotions like happiness and hopefulness and healthier emotion management skills. "The gut contains trillions of microorganisms collectively known as the gut microbiome. Many studies have shown that disturbance in the gut microbiome can affect the gut-brain axis and lead to various health problems, including anxiety, depression, and even neurological disorders," said coauthor Yang-Yu Liu, PhD, an associate scientist in the Brigham and Women's Hospital's Channing Division of Network Medicine and an associate professor of Medicine at the Harvard Medical School.
moreEmotional wellness
Social connections tied to slower cognitive decline
Good social connections -- i.e., living with others, weekly community group engagement, interacting weekly with family and friends, and never feeling lonely - are associated with slower cognitive decline, according to a recent global study. Active-aging professionals may intuitively know this, but having an evidence base is important.
moreEmotional wellness
Social media helps people feel connected to others
A new Gallup report, released in collaboration with Meta, found that despite social disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most people across the countries studied said they felt connected to others. The report is based on an in-depth, Meta-commissioned survey of people's social connections in Brazil, Egypt, France, India, Indonesia, Mexico and the United States. Representative population samples of least 2,000 people ages 15+ in each country, surveyed between April and June 2022, were included. The insights can help inform efforts to encourage social media interaction in active-aging communities.
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