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.
Communication: The key to building support for culture change by Kelly A. Stranburg, MEd, CEP, CSCS
In my last Journal on Active Aging article, I discussed how we divided into work groups and conquered nearly 200 ideas to thoroughly develop a strategy for creating change at Sharon Towers in Charlotte, North Carolina. Communication is the challenge I’ll address in this article. Let me first stress how imperative it is to communicate the why behind change and impending strategy when starting out on a culture-change journey.
moreCulture Change
The Great Technology Divide: Bridging the gap by June C. Hussey
The birth of 76 million Baby Boomers between 1946 and 1964 created the largest generation gap of all time in the United States. If you want evidence the gap still exists, just take a peek into the depths of the Great Technology Divide. On the near side stands an army of consumers, mostly Boomers and younger, all a-twitter over their electronic gadgets. On the far side is the generation that technology left behind. Jack Herklotz, information technology director for Watermark Retirement Communities, remembers when he decided to help bridge the divide.
moreProgram profiles
'Changing the Way We Age': ICAA members and supporters share their stories
Since October 1, 2001, members and allies have joined the International Council on Active Aging on a mission to change the way we age. These supporters of active aging--organizations, professionals, older adults--are making a profound difference in how people think about and experience aging. Over the coming year, the Journal on Active Aging will showcase stories and photos submitted by members and supporters to mark the 15th anniversary of ICAA’s launch. It’s an occasion to say thank you. To recognize achievements, celebrate experiences and share memorable moments from, and with, the community dedicated to aging well.
moreICAA initiatives
ICAA Champion: Introducing On Top of the World Communities
Set amid the rolling hills and thoroughbred horse farms of Ocala in Marion County, Florida, On Top of the World Communities is home to approximately 9,000 adults ages 55 and older. The 13,000-acre community, part of the Circle Square cattle ranch, caters to the active adult with more than 410,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor amenity space. Fitness Director Cammy Dennis and her team “are tasked with bringing this space to life.” Dennis believes that “aging actively is about embracing a lifestyle that allows someone to look and move forward.”
moreICAA initiatives
Big picture questions to inspire your blue-sky thinking by Patricia Ryan, MS
The framework of wellness dimensions has proven to be a valuable structure for supporting the philosophy of active aging. It is an appealing approach--one readily embraced from the start by the individuals and organizations that joined the International Council on Active Aging. But where was the framework to implement the active-aging philosophy within organizations, and within the lives of older adults? Through the years, ICAA has worked to provide that structure. First, by assuming that the diverse organizations providing services for older adults shared similar goals and formed a de facto active-aging industry. Second, by defining that industry. ICAA has gathered the thoughts of many people working in the industry through surveys, work groups and think tanks. The result? A combination of facts and forward-looking perspectives that provide a springboard for thinking about the next decade.
moreICAA initiatives
Why muscle mass matters by Ashley Bronston, MS, RDN, and Menghua Luo, MD, PhD
We know that aging causes changes in body composition; a decrease in muscle and an increase in fat tissue. This loss of muscle mass and strength is referred to as sarcopenia, the Greek term meaning “poverty of the flesh.” This article offers a review (or refresher) on muscle, body composition and the older adult for active-aging professionals. The older adults with whom these professionals work cover the functional spectrum--from frail individuals who need ongoing assistance, to athletes who challenge themselves to improve their performance. While their fitness levels and functional abilities will differ, clients or residents can all take steps to enhance muscle health. The question is: Why does muscle matter?
more
