Older adults wisely invest their time during Active Aging Week

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Older adults can take care of their health and save money during Active Aging Week, September 21-27, 2009, the annual health promotion event that features free local activities, information about senior services and, often, plenty of coupons and prizes.

VANCOUVER--While the economic news may have consumers watching every penny, older adults can have confidence that when they spend their time at a free Active Aging Week event, they will have fun, learn a little and likely find ways to save money.

Active Aging Week, the annual health promotion event of the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA), will be held September 21-27, 2009 at local community and seniors centers, retirement communities, malls, health clubs, hospitals and parks. As firm believers that we all can live life fully no matter what our age, the hosting organizations choose activities suited to their local population. Health fairs, walks featuring feet and wheelchairs, yoga and strength training, workshops on bone health and money management, dances, trivia contests, blood pressure screenings and art shows—all have been features of Active Aging Week.

“Attending an Active Aging Week event is a stimulus package you give yourself,” points out Colin Milner, CEO of ICAA. “You benefit immediately, and there are no strings attached! A growing body of research concludes that older adults who are physically active, socially connected and intellectually involved have fewer chronic diseases, are less likely to experience dementia and live longer. Those are great benefits, and they are free or low-cost.”

Older adults who join in during Active Aging Week meet new people and get to try out physical and intellectual activities and games. They also are likely to find that local donors and sponsors are giving away discounts, coupons and prizes. Many Active Aging Week hosts offer free drinks and food. Plus, local agencies may join the activities to introduce older adults to senior services designed especially for them.

“It’s no secret that the better you feel, the more money you save in healthcare costs,” observes Milner. “And you save yourself and your family a lot of stress. As people age, their health becomes more important to them. The events organized across the country during Active Aging Week provide the resources older adults can use for a healthier, happier life.”

To find Active Aging Week events in your area from September 21-27, 2009, look for press releases, posters and fliers, and newspaper and televisions announcements. You can also look for an event on the ICAA website after August 25, where there is a list of hosting organizations. Visit www.icaa.cc and click on Active Aging Week sites under the Consumer section.

In 2009, Active Aging Week is sponsored by Aegis Therapies, Institute for Preventive Foot Health and Thorlos.

Note for journalists: A few of the recent studies describing the health benefits of active living include “Healthy living is the best revenge: findings from the European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition-Potsdam study” (Arch Intern Med. 2009 Aug 10;169(15):1355-62); “A ‘Heart Healthy’ Diet and Ongoing, Moderate Physical Activity May Protect Against Cognitive Decline As We Age” (Alzheimer’s Association press release, July 14, 2009); “Cognitive activities delay onset of memory decline in persons who develop dementia” (Neurology. 2009;73:356-361); “Diet and Lifestyle Risk Factors Associated With Incident Hypertension in Women” (JAMA. 2009;302(4):401-411).

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About Active Aging Week
Website: www.icaa.cc/aaw.htm

Active Aging Week is an annual event held the last full week of September 21-27, 2009. The week was initiated by the International Council of Active Aging to give as many older adults as possible the means to experience activities and exercise in a safe, friendly and fun atmosphere. During the week, host organizations provide a variety of free activities, such as classes, educational seminars, access to fitness facilities, health fairs and community walks.

About the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA)
ICAA is the world’s largest membership association dedicated to changing the way we age by uniting professionals in the retirement, assisted living, recreation, fitness, rehabilitation and wellness fields. These professionals develop wellness and fitness facilities and services for the growing population of adults ages 50 and older. The council supports its members with education, information, resources and tools, so they can achieve optimal success with this market. As an active-aging educator and advocate, ICAA has advised numerous organizations and governmental bodies, including the US Administration on Aging, the National Institute on Aging (one of the US National Institutes of Health), the US Department of Health and Human Services, Canada’s Special Senate Committee on Aging, and the British Columbia ministries of Health, and Healthy Living and Sport.

For interviews or more information about ICAA or aging-related issues, contact:

Colin Milner, CEO, International Council on Active Aging
Toll-free: 1-866-335-9777 (North America only)
Telephone: 604-734-4466; cell: 604-763-4595
Email: colinmilner@icaa.cc