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.
Wellness staff members extend their sphere of influence by Patricia Ryan, MS
Senior managers responding to an ICAA survey in 2014 said that lifestyle and wellness offerings were an extremely or very important strategy for growing their business. Implementing those offerings is the responsibility of the wellness workforce. To better understand how job descriptions are being written, the International Council on Active Aging conducted Salary & Benefits Surveys in 2011 and 2015. Collecting the work responsibilities of these professionals is important to define their positions and add context to compensation levels. It is also informative to compare positions in 2011 and 2015 to examine if, and how, responsibilities are changing.
moreICAA initiatives
Adventures abound during Active Aging Week 2015
There are many reasons why Active Aging Week® benefits older adults, as well as the organizations and individuals who host events. For participants, trying something new and different (or experiencing a new twist on a regular activity) is not only good for the brain, but also the spirit. When Active Aging Week events are announced, people anticipate what will occur, and reach out to family and friends to join in. New acquaintances and social participation usually accompany the events provided. All of these benefits were reflected in the theme of Active Aging Week 2015: Live your adventure.
moreICAA initiatives
ICAA Champion: introducing Sue Schwartz
"The beaches of San Diego, the rugged terrain of Baja California, and the beauty of Arizona’s Sonoran desert are my playgrounds," says Sue Schwartz, a native of the Golden State. Born in Long Beach during World War II, 71-year-old Schwartz lived an active, outdoorsy life, until challenges with arthritis intervened. After she fell in 2014, Schwartz fought her way back to health and happiness. Now she strives "to inspire others to consider the possibilities and joy of a lifestyle based on wellness."
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Welltower's Thomas DeRosa speaks: Is the investor community listening?
The wellness movement is in full swing. Recent research conducted by the International Council on Active Aging® (ICAA) shows that wellness is now widely accepted and adopted by ICAA member organizations. Even with all this positive movement, staffing levels for wellness are lacking. So, too, is appropriate funding. Could it be that investors, equity partners and chief financial officers do not see the financial benefits of healthy, happy residents in a care-focused model? Visionaries know better. One such individual is Thomas J. DeRosa, MBA, chief executive officer and director of Welltower™ Inc., a company that "invests in the transformation of health care infrastructure."
moreBusiness profiles
Atria El Camino Gardens: Good Samaritans reach out to make a difference
At Atria El Camino Gardens in Carmichael, California, residents feel the need to make a difference in the lives of neighbors in the community-at-large. That desire to contribute to others led the community to start the Atria El Camino Gardens Good Samaritan Outreach program in 2013. ... "Our residents are people of action and service," comments Engage Life Director Staci Weisz. "Our job is to facilitate their goals and support them as they continue to learn, grow and make a difference.”
moreInnovator awards
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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