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.
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?
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Memory & Company: A 'private health club/social club/spa' for people with memory loss by Marilynn Larkin, MA
Cofounded by Ashley Kwong and her husband Victor, Memory & Company is a “private health club/social club/spa” for people with memory loss. In this interview for the Journal on Active Aging, Kwong shares her vision--a holistic approach to adult day care in an upscale environment where participants are valued and encouraged to socialize and stay active. She also reveals how she transformed that vision into reality.
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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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ICAA: Celebrating 15 years of progress by Liz Seegert
Has it been 15 years already? When the International Council on Active Aging launched in 2001--just a mere two weeks after September 11--few people beyond early advocates and adopters had ever heard of active aging. In this interview, ICAA's founder shares association achievements, trends and changes in the active-aging industry, and thoughts about the future.
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Core values: What do they mean to your staff? by Karen Woodard
What do your company’s core values mean to your staff? Core values are the elements that support your organization’s integrity, vision, mission and promise. Regardless of the values you have created for your organization, the key point is whether your staff knows how to deliver them. If they don’t know how to deliver your core values, it makes no difference whether you have defined values or not: Those values are not the powerful tool they could be.
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