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.
Tech Talk: Telehealth leaving some older adults behind
Two studies in a recent issue of JAMA Internal Medicine highlight that many older adults are being left behind as telemedicine and telehealth are rapidly becoming anchors during pandemic outbreaks. Certainly, community-dwelling older adults with lower incomes are likely to be affected; however, even some senior living communities, community centers and other organizations that serve older adults may lack the robust infrastructure to support virtual doctor visits that may be critical to their constituents' health and wellness.
morePhysical wellness
"Life story" approach shows older adults' resilience
Older adults have repeatedly been referred to as more physically vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic - but the pandemic is not just about becoming physically ill, write authors of a special article in the Journals of Gerontology. They use the "life story" approach, which highlights psychosocial strengths, to underscore that older are not just victims during this challenging time. It's worth a read, certainly as a conversation starter, and possibly to incorporate the life story approach into current programming, as a mood booster for residents, members and staff alike.
moreEmotional wellness
Outbreaks of ageism compound pandemic ills
This article compares responses to coronavirus control in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, three countries in which ageism erupted over the social and economic costs of protecting older adults from the disease. Organizations need to be aware of the findings and continue to develop ways to combat it. The American Geriatrics Society recently published a position statement on resource allocation and age with pertinent action steps.
morePhysical wellness
ACSM: How to return safely to sports, activity
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has published a call to action statement addressing COVID-19 and safely returning to sports and exercise -- critical information for all organizations. The statement highlights the current science around COVID-19 and provides 12 action steps to consider. The authors summarize the current scientific knowledge about COVID-19, its transmission and the negative effects of physical inactivity.
moreSports and athletics
McKinsey: The next normal for marketers
Five years of digital adoption happened in just eight weeks. That's the first among six behavior changes marketers need to grasp for the next normal, according to McKinsey and Company. The consultancy has dug deeply into consumer behaviors over the past couple of months and provides actionable insights relevant to most organizations, including those in the active-aging industry. The article describing important trends in consumer behaviors contains copious links to additional timely articles and supporting data.
moreMarketing
Stats: 80% of adults 70+ have at least one treatable skin disease
In a study of 552 adults aged 70 to 93 years old, 80% of participants had at least one skin disease that required treatment. The most common conditions were fungal skin infections, rosacea, actinic keratosis, and eczema - and more than a third (39.1%) had three or more simultaneous skin diseases. Why does it matter, aside from appearance? Lead author Suvi-Päivikki Sinikumpu, MD, PhD, of the University Hospital of Oulu, in Finland, commented, "This research emphasizes the importance of whole-body skin evaluations in older patients. A whole body skin examination may reveal hidden skin symptoms and ensures timely diagnoses and appropriate treatment." For example, tinea pedis, found in 49% of study participants, is a known risk factor for severe bacterial infections such as cellulitis, according to the authors.
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