Active aging takes on new meaning, grabs global attention as the world’s population jumps in age

(Vancouver, BC, May 13, 2019)—Active Aging Week 2019 will kick off later this year on October 1st, shining a global spotlight on the importance of engaged aging, the International Council on Active Aging® (ICAA) announced today. For the first time in human history, the total world population has more people over 65 than children under five. As these changing demographics open doors to new opportunities and unprecedented challenges, experts are realizing that how we treat aging and adapt to it will shape the future of individuals, families, communities, nations and the world as a whole.

As Presenting Sponsor, Humana helps make this year’s Active Aging Week possible. Humana is committed to helping ensure that everyone has a chance to achieve their best health. Contributing to a healthy, inclusive society is an important part of its mission.

Started by ICAA in 2003 as a grassroots initiative to celebrate, promote and support healthy aging at the hometown level, Active Aging Week has grown into a global movement that recognizes the social, economic and personal/public health dynamics that come with changes in age demographics. Importantly, Active Aging Week provides valuable opportunities for older people to engage, encouraging their efforts to maximize and enjoy their later years. What’s more, it serves as a welcome reminder that the most successful communities leverage the strengths and skills of all their residents and that every generation has an important contribution to make in vibrant, strong societies.

“Twenty years ago, nobody was talking about active aging,” says Colin Milner, ICAA’s CEO and a pioneer in the active aging movement. “Today, the vitality of individuals, economies and entire societies depend on it. As the median age of world populations goes up, so does the importance of aging well. How we address the well-being of our 50-plus population and tap into the experience, knowledge and full potential that this demographic has to offer will largely determine what tomorrow looks like for all of us.”

“We’re excited to once again partner with ICAA and sponsor this year’s Active Aging Week,” said Humana Marketing Senior Vice President Jennifer Bazante, “and demonstrate how, together, we can help meet the full needs of people – their physical and emotional health, along with their social needs – as they age.”

About Active Aging Week 2019

The theme of this year’s Active Aging Week is “Redefining Active” because active aging is about so much more than just exercise. It’s about broader engagement—physically, socially, cognitively, spiritually, professionally and civically. Active aging is about engaging with family, friends and/or community, learning and trying new things, volunteering, mentoring, pursuing further professional development or entrepreneurial endeavors, travelling, maintaining an active spiritual/religious life, and leading a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition, exercise, mindfulness and other forms of stress-management.

Simply put, active aging is about staying positively engaged in all aspects of life—which ultimately benefits both the individual and broader society.

Host organizations run Active Aging Week at the local level—using event-planning toolkits provided by ICAA. These activities range from health fairs to lectures to organized walks to balloon rides. What they all offer are positive resources, connections and opportunities for older generations to try new things and meet new people. Local groups plan their events specific to the needs and interests of their own communities. Activities often address the various dimensions of wellbeing. And programs are low-to-no-cost to participants.

“Active Aging Week provides a valuable opportunity for older adults to connect and engage within their communities through a wide range of activities,” Milner continues. “But it also gives us a chance to reframe aging. Older generations are simply at a different point in the timeline. Their accomplishments and contributions of yesterday remain significant. And the role they have to play in enriching society today and tomorrow remains vitally important. What older populations bring to us can only come from the knowledge, insight, wisdom and expertise generated by decades of living and doing. Active Aging Week pays tribute to the richness that older people continue to bring to our world’s cultures and societies.”

ICAA encourages people of all ages to participate in Active Aging Week. By checking with local organizations to see what is planned and searching social media using the hashtag #activeagingweek, people can find activities within their local communities. Organizations can visit https://www.activeagingweek.com to learn how to host an event.

Active Aging Week sponsors include: Abbott Nutrition, EnerG by Aegis Therapies, Domtar, Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovations

About the International Council on Active Aging

ICAA, a professional association that leads, connects and defines the active-aging industry, supports professionals who develop wellness facilities, programs and services for adults over 50. The association is focused on active aging—an approach to aging that helps older adults live as fully as possible within all dimensions of wellness—and provides its members with education, information, resources and tools. 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 (Canada) Ministries of Health and Healthy Living and Sport.

For more information or questions:
Contact: Colin Milner, CEO, ICAA
Toll-free: 1-866-335-9777 (North America)
Telephone: 604-734-4466; cell: 604-763-4595
colinmilner@icaa.cc

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