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.
Inspiring wellness for a better future
"Changing the Way We Age" - it’s the goal of the more than 10,000 organizations that embrace the active-aging philosophy as members of the International Council on Active Aging. Founded in 2001, ICAA leads, connects and defines a maturing industry with a dynamic belief in the potential of aging. Members offer supportive environments and on-the-ground programs and services to encourage individuals—regardless of age, socioeconomic status or health—to engage fully in life. In November 2015, the ICAA Forum created a vision for the future in which a culture of wellness supports people of all ages in living well.
moreIndustry development
"The most powerful medicine": Dr. Harry Lodge delves into brain science, lifestyle and healthy aging by Marilynn Larkin, MA
When it comes to healthy aging, Henry S. (“Harry”) Lodge, MD, FACP, is justifiably optimistic. Since he coauthored the New York Times’ bestselling Younger Next Year series of books in 2007, both research and clinical experience seem to support his contention that lifestyle changes can affect the brain as well as the body. Lodge provided insights into the future of brain science and its connection to lifestyle and healthy aging at the International Council on Active Aging Conference 2013. Discussing “the next generation of cognitive science,” he suggested that “the key to optimal brain health at all ages turns out to be the way we structure and live our lives.”
moreCognitive health
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."
moreICAA initiatives
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."
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