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.
The future of technology for active aging
Technology is developed to solve a problem, enhance productivity, deliver a service or entertain. There are a multitude of options, advanced by the widespread availability of computers, the Internet and cellular networks. Medical technology is used to provide more efficient care; assistive technology helps people function independently in everyday life; productivity technology, like software for accounting and word processing, is a given in many businesses; and healthy living technologies, such as pedometers or the apps that track dietary goals, are widely used. It is clear that there are many technologies to choose from, but it is less certain how technology will impact quality of life for older adults, and how it will benefit the services of organizations that provide wellness opportunities, health care and housing. Does technology solve problems or enhance productivity? Will it make life better—or more confusing?
moreIndustry development
'Home of the Future': Challenging ideas about the delivery of care
International architecture and design firm ThomsonAdsett developed an interactive, fully operational “Home of the Future,” which they displayed at the ACSA/International Association of Homes and Services for the Aging joint conference in September 2015, held in Perth. The 20x20-ft. model combines the latest healthcare innovations from around the world—all “integrated into one neat package,” according to Tieran Kimber, managing director of ThomsonAdsett’s studio in Victoria, Australia.
moreConstruction
The perfect fit: An Origin active lifestyle community opens in a world-class setting by Colin Milner
The Canadian Rocky Mountains have become a destination for individuals who love the outdoors as well as those who seek adventure throughout the year. Skiing, snowshoeing, ice or rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, kayaking—there’s no better place to experience active mountain living than in the Alberta towns of Canmore and Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. These alpine communities are not only filled with trendy shops, art galleries, hotels and restaurants, but also offer plenty of activities, festivals, and arts and cultural events. Yet few developers have considered the region as a destination for retirement living. Until now. Neil Prashad and Frank Kernick have precisely this vision for Canmore, a former mining town located 50 miles west of Calgary in the scenic Bow Valley.
moreBusiness profiles
Steady for Life's Steady & Sharp Brain Carnival educates participants about brain health
Building Blocks for Healthy, Graceful Aging”--that’s the tagline inscribed on the logo of Steady for Life Inc., a charitable nonprofit organization located in Huntsville, Alabama. Nurturing those building blocks is the driving passion of the organization’s founders. Steady for Life “was started by four senior-fitness instructors and a healthcare marketeer who wanted to make a difference in the lives of older adults in a physical, emotional and social way,” says Executive Director Kim Davis. Its primary mission involves “equipping mature adults with strength, flexibility and balance techniques to diminish the risk of falls." The company also offers “social activities, travel opportunities, health seminars, screenings and special programs to help clients maintain independence, happiness and lasting friendships.” One such offering is the Steady & Sharp Brain Carnival.
moreInnovator awards
Friend or foe? Dealing with time by Kelly A. Stranburg, MEd, CEP, CSCS
In my last article, we learned about the power of brainstorming. Constant brainstorming has not only enabled us to generate direction for the culture-change journey at Sharon Towers, our not-for-profit continuing care retirement community in Charlotte, North Carolina, but also shown us how best to redirect ourselves when necessary. Additionally, brainstorming has allowed us to create a voice for and buy-in from team members and residents involved with this movement. My previous article addressed one of the greatest challenges of culture change as well. Time.
moreCulture Change
Active Aging Week: Host perspectives paint a fuller picture
As Active Aging Week 2016 draws nearer, participating organizations will be busily planning schedules of events that are uniquely theirs--that’s part of the fun of hosting the annual health-promotion campaign that celebrates aging and living well. Many local hosts will share their experiences and photographs with the International Council on Active Aging, which organizes the initiative on a national level. Some stories will appear in the Journal on Active Aging’s article showcasing the successes and spirit of the week. But local hosts typically reveal more than their successes to ICAA. This article presents perspectives shared by five host organizations over the last few years. These case studies paint a fuller picture that may provide pointers and spark ideas for those participating in this year’s campaign.
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