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- Public policy
What an "ignited" older adult will look like in 2035 by Richard H. Carmona, MD, MPH, FACS
Mark Twain said that life would be better if we started at 80 and worked down to 18. George Burns said as he smoked his cigar, "If I had known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself." He lived vigorously for 100 years. Being the comedian he was, when asked what he would like for his 90th birthday, he said, "A paternity suit"! Both Mark Twain and George Burns were "ignited" seniors in their time who lived twice their life expectancy and thrived through their last days. Based on their birthdates, they were anomalies not only for their longevity, but also due to their profound productivity through their entire long, ignited life spans. They indeed preserved and enhanced their brains' neural networks and cognitive ability. Today, the world is facing disruptive change without precedent. We will soon have more older people than children, and centenarians are becoming commonplace. Many questions arise from these seismic demographic shifts. Can we maintain or enhance health and cognitive ability as we age? How will society address these issues? What roles will technology and science play in supporting our seniors to stay ignited? ... Let's briefly look at the demographics and science of aging before addressing the concept of an ignited senior, how society must adjust, and the impact of technology and science on the ability of our older adults to "ignite."
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Living longer younger: The Canyon Ranch Way by Richard Carmona, MD, MPH, FACS
Canyon Ranch began as an aspiration to our founders, Mel and Enid Zuckerman, almost 40 years ago. Pioneers of the transformative wellness destination concept, the Zuckermans created an organization that has impacted the lives of millions... Today, Canyon Ranch stands as a premier global brand for destination health resorts, with the pursuit of optimal wellness accomplished in thriving, fun (and, yes, luxurious) environments. ... Like Canyon Ranch, the International Council on Active Aging has become the convener of thought leaders around healthy active aging. Our team is excited about our partnership with ICAA and the opportunity to write a column for the Journal on Active Aging since there is a unique synergy between our two organizations.
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Preparing for the Decade of Healthy Aging, 2020-2030: An International Council on Active Aging Call to Action
What does the Decade of Healthy Aging mean to our industry? We have a new global model, one to grasp, where the definition of healthy aging is based in each individual’s functional ability--to live fully, with more ability than disability. Expectations of longer lives are changing. We have the opportunity to lead the charge.
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More than merchandise: Why mall walking programs are a good deal by Caitlin R. Anderson, BA, and Basia Belza, PhD, RN, FAAN
Mall walking is not the newest fitness craze, but it is an excellent mode of physical activity, especially for midlife and older adults. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released a new resource entitled "Mall Walking: A Program Resource Guide," which delves into this decades-old practice. To create the evidence-informed manual, the CDC worked with researchers from across the nation to compile existing mall-walking research, perform environmental audits of malls, and interview mall-walking participants and program leaders. The result is a practical resource that promotes the development of mall walking programs and provides strategies to design, implement and evaluate them.
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"Step It Up!" The Surgeon General embraces walking and walkability
Active-aging professionals look for opportunities to help the people they serve improve their health. So, too, does the United States Surgeon General. One tool at his disposal is the Call to Action, “a science-based document to stimulate action nationwide to solve a major public health problem.” Issued on September 9, 2015, the Surgeon General’s new call to action aims to address the public health challenges of chronic disease. The solution—and the focus of the document—is walking.
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Agent of lifestyle change: Dr. Andrew Weil sows health for the whole person by Colin Milner
No one can deny Dr. Andrew Weil’s bold views or his real impact when it comes to a more holistic approach to health at all ages. Known as the "father of integrative medicine," this renowned physician and author discusses eating for health, aging well, and transforming healthcare. He stresses the need for "a culture of health," as well as promoting health and preventing disease.
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