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.
Combating ageism: A groundbreaking study examines interventions to bridge generations by Marilynn Larkin, MA
"Ageism, defined as stereotyping, prejudice or discrimination toward people on the basis of age, is a mounting international concern with important health implications," write Cornell University's Karl Pillemer, PhD, and colleagues in a seminal new study. The first-of-its-kind study aggregated interventions to reduce ageist attitudes, prejudices and stereotypes around the world. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the researchers looked at the effects of intergenerational programming on ageism. Their findings have implications for active-aging professionals who seek to overturn ways of thinking and practices that, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), are "insidious" and "everywhere" yet "the most socially 'normalized' of any prejudice and...not widely countered."
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Simple environmental design solutions to support sleep for healthy aging by Regina Vaicekonyte, MS, WELL AP; Carolyn Swope, MPH, WELL AP; Stephanie Timm, PhD, LEED AP, WELL AP; and Whitney Austin Gray
It is commonly believed that poor sleep is part of the normal aging process. Fortunately, it doesn't have to be, as many healthy older adults have few to no issues sleeping. However, about 70% of aging adults do experience sleep disturbances. New research is revealing how sleep can be impacted by our built environment-such as noise, temperature or light pollution-and offers new opportunities for sleep promotion. Although people are often encouraged to simply change their behavior, that's easier said than done. Alternatives such as sleeping pills and alcohol are used as seemingly "quick fixes." Instead, changing our built environment to support sleep makes the healthy choice the easy choice-and can benefit a community's bottom line, too.
moreEnvironmental wellness
A new master plan for senior living by Sally Abrahms
Senior living is changing. While traditional stand-alone, age-segregated senior living communities will soon have fewer and fewer takers, forward-thinking communities are bringing the inside out and the outside in. What does that mean? Residents are increasingly becoming part of the larger community, whether it is interacting with neighbors of any age or people from around their town or city. And enterprising developers are repositioning their senior living communities as fun destinations to visit with great amenities that appeal to everyone. There are already master planned communities with care and retail, restaurants, stores, office and medical buildings, schools, wellness spas, hotels and homes. They may have a variety of housing...and people at different life stages in the same neighborhood.
moreIndustry development
How one telewellness project focused on helping older adults with mobility disabilities age in place by Tracy L. Mitzner, PhD, and Elena Remillard, MS
For many older adults, the ability to interact with others is an essential component of their quality of life, no matter where they are living. One of the most valued aspects of senior living communities, for example, is the wide range of opportunities for social engagement. ...Social connection is important not only for feelings of well-being, but it has also been linked to health outcomes.... Yet not all older adults are mobile, nor do they all have family and social relationships, let alone health-sustaining activities, within daily reach. With these limitations in mind, one promising solution to increasing social connectedness and access to health and wellness programs among older adults with disabilities--and by extension, also to those without disabilities--is tele-technology.
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Ebikes: Getting a charge out of recreation by Gwen Hyatt, MS
Riding an ebike, or electric bike, for the first time feels like you are a kid again but with super powers. Whether you are a long-time cyclist or just thinking about getting on a bike, an ebike can make the sport of cycling seem easy and joyful, as well as provide an alternative mode of transportation. What's more, ebikes not only offer a way for older adults with some physical limitations to enjoy the great outdoors, but they also provide a welcome option for shorter trips around the local community. What exactly is an ebike? It's a regular bike equipped with a small electric battery and motor to boost pedaling speed and power. ...Ebikes are quite different from mopeds, scooters and motorbikes: Most do not go faster than 20 mph, are silent and do not spew exhaust fumes. Ebike popularity is swelling, and their use can become an integral part of your older-adult recreational community, both for fitness and for fun.
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What's trending in digital health technologies to support aging in place?
The number of Americans aged 65 or older reached 50 million in 2016 and is expected to reach 95 million by the year 2060. The impact of this age wave--a phenomenon seen worldwide as well as in the United States--has significant implications for products and services, not the least of which is healthcare. For more than two decades, studies have shown that elders want to age in place and remain among family and friends in familiar environments. Though there are currently many assistive devices and home-based services that exist to help communities and families handle challenges of aging, a trend is emerging to define and coordinate global strategies for creating digital health systems into a roadmap to the future ...
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