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.
Topic- Cognitive health
For Brain Fitness Academy, the pandemic led to a new, successful product by Sara Woodard, MHSA, and Annette Kelly, PhD, ARNP
In March 2020, Brain Fitness Academy (BFA) program sites, like so many others, were forced to close due to COVID-19. The Florida nonprofit's familiar in-person model became unavailable to its members almost overnight. Unbeknownst to the organization at that point, the closure would lead to quick, agile thinking and creativity, which combined to spark development of a new product that is now a permanent part of BFA's offerings. Headquartered in Winter Park, Florida, BFA strives to maximize the lives of individuals with mild cognitive impairment/early dementia living in the community through a curriculum- based program that highlights capabilities and focuses on success in a safe, supportive environment. Having heard many times from members that BFA is the highlight of their week, we recognized immediately that closing or interrupting the program was not an option. The team, with the guidance of cofounder Peggy Bargmann, RN, immediately went to the drawing board to come up with a solution to keep the members engaged and connected. Our research included seeking advice from our trusted academic partners as well as other experts. We worked collaboratively to explore the best solutions for delivery of our program in a virtual format.
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"Thriving with dementia": Innovative efforts to support quality of life by Sally Abrahms
Older adults are getting even older. Thanks to better health, science and technology, many more people are living into their 80s and 90s. Because advancing age is a risk for dementia (a syndrome that includes symptoms such as memory loss and impaired thinking), the World Health Organization predicts that people with dementia will triple in number worldwide within three decades-from about 50 million today to 152 million by 2050. Currently, up to 70% of dementia cases may involve Alzheimer's disease. While there is no cure for Alzheimer's, senior living providers, adult day centers, and Alzheimer's and dementia experts are increasingly approaching the disease (and other dementias) differently. "Dementia is about thriving, not just surviving" is the new mantra. ... From supportive environments to creative programs, innovative efforts help individuals thrive as they navigate this life passage.
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Reality check: What you need to know about products promoted for Alzheimer's disease by Marilynn Larkin, MA
About 50 million people worldwide are living with dementia, making it a "global epidemic," according to the Chicago, Illinois-based Alzheimer's Association, whose mission focuses on Alzheimer's care, support and research. And yet, as nations ramp up efforts to support those with Alzheimer's, many people have misperceptions about the disease. For example, the Association found in a 2014 survey that 59% of individuals around the world incorrectly believe that Alzheimer's disease is a "typical part of aging" or that you have to have a family history of the disease to be at risk. The reality is, scientists are still not sure what causes the disease, though much research in this area is underway. Other misperceptions have to do with treatments. Currently, there are no treatments that can prevent or cure Alzheimer's disease or slow its course. Answers are coming, but we're not there yet, according to Heather Snyder, PhD, senior director of medical and scientific operations for the Alzheimer's Association.
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BikeAround: Making memories accessible and world travel feasible for all by Marilynn Larkin, MA
Shortly after George Fermanis started The Fermanis Group, a Canadian consultancy that advises and invests in companies aiming to improve the lives of older adults, a colleague sent him a video about BikeAround. "I was convinced this technology could have practical applications in older-adult communities throughout Canada," Fermanis says. BikeAround consists of a large dome and a cycling unit with sensors embedded in the pedals. It integrates Google Street View, a technology that provides panoramic views of many natural wonders and landmarks, as well as specific streets worldwide. The user sits in the cycling unit and pedals and steers. That same speed and motion are displayed in the dome, offering a user-controlled immersive experience in the environment of choice. The streets and views displayed also can be controlled via computer by another individual-a staff member in a community, for example-to facilitate use by people with mobility impairments.
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'Fragrance in Frames': Touchmark's art therapy program enriches people's lives in memory care
Touchmark has made its mark as a retirement company by focusing on lifestyle for adults ages 55+, among other things. According to Vice President of Clinical Services Wendy Schrag, RN-BC, "One of the key ways Touchmark fulfills its mission--'To enrich people's lives'--is through its Full Life Wellness & Life Enrichment Program(TM)." Schrag stresses that this commitment to enriching lives extends to people living with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia. Fragrance in Frames, one offering, adds essential oils to paints for a therapeutic art activity. The program received a 2017 ICAA Innovators Achievement Award for its wellness-oriented and person-centered approach to memory care, and for maximizing opportunities in the cognitive/intellectual, emotional, social and physical wellness dimensions.
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Dr. John Ratey offers a lucid look at brain health by Colin Milner
Who would have thought that mice running on a wheel for about 4 kilometers per night—roughly 2.5 miles—would awaken modern science to the connection between exercise and its effects on the brain? Yet, an experiment with these rodents did precisely that, according to author and Harvard Medical School professor John J. Ratey, MD.
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