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.
ICAA in 2011
On October 1, 2011, the International Day of Older Persons, the International Council on Active Aging® celebrated the 10th Anniversary of its founding. ICAA staff, advisors, members and allies work to spread the organization’s vision of Changing the Way We Age® and maximize opportunities for healthier, more vital aging. Throughout the year, Advisory Board and Visioning Board members joined ICAA colleagues to develop the five strategies resulting from the ICAA 2020 visioning process (sponsored by Morrison Senior Living), as outlined below.
moreICAA initiatives
ICAA honors eight innovative efforts that advance active aging
The International Council on Active Aging® (ICAA) began with an innovative idea: Create an industry dedicated to better health, wellness and quality of life for adults over 50 by uniting professionals across sectors who also share this goal. Launched in 2001, ICAA today leads, connects and defines this industry—the active-aging industry—made up of like-minded professionals and organizations that develop wellness facilities, programs and services for the older population. Active-aging devotees combine creativity, positive energy, and a passionate commitment to older-adult wellness to advance this movement. And by providing ongoing opportunities for clients to be more active and to learn, grow and participate in their communities, these professionals and organizations support the 50-plus population in living well.
moreInnovator awards
Valle Verde commits to better the world with its Green Footprint program
Set in the foothills of Santa Barbara, California, Valle Verde is a nonprofit, continuing care retirement community owned and operated by American Baptist Homes of the West (ABHOW), a senior living provider based in Pleasanton. The Valle Verde living experience, according to the community’s website, emphasizes choice, individuality, a positive atmosphere and a commitment to environmental stewardship. Many improvements to the 60-acre campus have involved collaborative effort and innovative thinking about how to reduce the environmental impact on the community itself, as well as the world that surrounds it.
moreEnvironmental wellness
The Summit at Central Park: an innovative facility engages active adults in wellness
In Grand Prairie, Texas—a city of about 175,000, according to the 2010 United States Census1—two population trends have gained momentum in the past couple of decades and slowly converged to transform the city. These trends are population growth and population aging.
moreInnovator awards
Ageism hides in plain sight by Kathy Sporre, CSA
I recently attended a Marketing and Membership Committee meeting for our senior center in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, that had on the agenda changing the center’s name to something ageless—something without senior in it or any other word that might be viewed negatively by those ages 55 years and better. The premise for changing our name was that people known as Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, are simply not identifying with the word senior. We feel a name change is a strategy we could use to attract the younger older adult, starting at age 55, and increase our membership. It’s a strategy many centers across North America have already tackled.
moreLeadership
Sarcopenia: what it is (and is not) and how to deal with it by Alexandra Williams, MA
Although many adults may not know the definition of sarcopenia, they certainly know its effects, as this loss of muscle function and strength can lead to a significantly decreased quality of life or even death. Falls and fractures, impaired mobility, decreased ability to perform tasks of daily living, and a loss of independence are all associated with sarcopenic declines.
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