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 active-aging adult centers by Craig Bouck
As the youngest Baby Boomers turn 50 next year, the population group that has driven culture and commerce in the United States for the past six decades is redefining what it means to grow old. To appeal to this influential group, “senior centers” are now referred to as “active-aging centers” or “Boomer centers.” However, focusing only on the change in name might cause us to miss what really makes these centers unique from others in the community. Are these simply age-restricted community recreation centers, or is there an opportunity for a truly new paradigm in recreation facilities? As we look at the issues and concerns surrounding this issue, one fact definitely must be addressed: In order to remain relevant to the Boomer generation, active-aging center designs must adapt and change.
moreCommunity design
So you want a wellness center. But is it feasible? by Margaret A. Wylde, PhD
Just about every community touts its wellness center, regardless of the size, features, services, amount of programming or use. Now your community is considering adding one. The first question to ask is, “Why do you want a wellness center?” Are your residents clamoring for it? Do you believe a new center is essential to compete in the future? Do you feel a bit hammered by the competition because they have a nice, new wellness center and you don’t? ... It’s essential for a community to determine if a wellness center would be a benefit for its residents and its marketing efforts and what type of center potential users want. A comprehensive feasibility study can help a community make the right decisions.
moreCommunity design
Capitalizing on wellness market trends by Gene Guszkowski, AIA
The economic downturn has hit the construction and development industry hard, and new construction projects in the senior living industry have suffered accordingly. However, with each passing day of this slow recovery, some people become frailer and more forgetful, while others begin to proactively search for ways they can maintain an active lifestyle even while preparing for the uncertainty of the future. In short, recession or no recession, the demand increases for quality environments for older adults. As senior living communities strive to provide enhanced products and services, create exceptional experiences, and transcend market expectations, community leaders are acknowledging that the time to begin making capital improvements is now.
moreCommunity design
Why retirement communities invest in new wellness centers by Marion Webb
It’s no accident that retirement communities are pouring hundreds of thousands—even millions—of dollars into constructing or upgrading their wellness facilities to incorporate the latest equipment, therapy pools, outdoor and indoor classes and meditation gardens. That’s because many communities have come to believe that well-designed fitness centers will not only help improve the lives of current residents but also draw in new residents.
moreCommunity design
Global waves across the ages by Mary E. Sanders, PhD, FACSM, RCEP
About a decade ago in Castellón, Spain, splashing around for health started at 10 p.m., just as most people were winding down their day. Thirty-four hardy individuals would slip on swimsuits and jump into the community swimming pool to participate in a WaterFit® study under the leadership of Lourdes Escobar Torres, MD, and Charo Belenguer Benitez. What made this research so unusual was the diversity of participants, all of whom shared the same workout. ... The average age of these individuals was about 40 years old. But families also participated, with 17- to 70-year-olds working out together. How? The buoyancy of water neutralized differences among participants, and the program design allowed every person to tailor exercise intensity to their own needs, thereby allowing teens through grandparents to enjoy a multigenerational fitness experience.
moreAquatics
Six simple questions to make you more productive by Debra J. Schmidt
In his book Awaken the Giant Within, Tony Robbins talks about the power of questions to shape and direct your attention and focus. Your brain doesn’t like to leave questions unanswered, so whenever you pose yourself a question, your brain quickly goes to work to try to provide you with an answer. To help you to steer away from distractions and accomplish more, you can ask yourself these six questions throughout the day. They will help you to direct your attention, your focus, and your thinking towards your top priorities.
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