ICAA to launch new GREEN Plan and expanded wellness model in 2010

[Back to releases]

First ICAA 2020 program supports ICAA members in maximizing environmental wellness for older adults and improving environmental stewardship

VANCOUVER--The International Council on Active Aging (ICAA), which has been leading, connecting and defining the active-aging industry since 2001, will roll out a new program in 2010 that recognizes the environment as an essential dimension in older-adult wellness. The GREEN Plan, a new benefit of ICAA membership, will inform members about elements of indoor and outdoor environments. This program will delve into ways to use the environment for wellness, as well as eco-friendly products, services, processes and designs, which contribute to a healthier world. To further stress the importance of the environment, ICAA will launch an expanded wellness model next year that includes environmental wellness. The association will also start printing its publications on recycled paper and deliver more member services over its website.

Among its elements, the GREEN Plan will include:

• the ICAA Green Guide and ICAA Green Review, two online publications
  
• the ICAA Green Vendors Program
  
• the ICAA Green Awards
  
• the Going Green Preconference Series at the annual ICAA Conference

Grounded in feedback from ICAA members, who indicate a high level of interest in the environment, the GREEN Plan is the first program to come out of ICAA 2020, an initiative sponsored by Morrison Senior Dining to help the active-aging industry look forward and prepare to thrive in the future. ICAA believes that both a focus on today and a vision for the future are vital to the growth of the active-aging industry. The GREEN Plan embodies this philosophy. By educating organizations about environmental wellness, the program is designed to advance active aging, support comprehensive wellness for older adults, and promote use of the environment for wellness. The Plan also encourages environmental stewardship by informing organizations about eco-friendly products, services, processes and designs.

– 30 –

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