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Active aging industry news from around the world
Residents develop Oakland community garden
Grand Lake Gardens, an American Baptist Homes of the West (ABHOW) retirement community in Oakland, California, recently partnered with the Piedmont Community Service Group to develop a community garden in Grand Lake’s Upper Acre area. Students from Piedmont High School and Piedmont Scouts volunteered to help create the garden by hauling soil and lumber from the street up to the allocated space. With parental assistance, the students learned to build a number of planter boxes that now are home to squash, tomatoes, lettuce and other organic vegetables.
This intergenerational volunteer effort has continued to benefit the Oakland community. Today, Grand Lake residents plant and tend to the Upper Acre garden, harvesting more than 30 lbs. of fresh produce every week to donate to Saint Mary’s Center, a local nonprofit that helps feed Oakland’s hungry.
Conceived by Grand Lake residents Joe and Doris Pummill, the community garden project was funded by Rebuilding Together Oakland, a local affiliate of the national nonprofit group “that partners volunteers and donors with worthy projects.” Carole Lee, another Grand Lake resident, is the garden’s facilitator.
Senior living provider changes name to ‘Vi’
Classic Residence by Hyatt, a national developer, owner and manager of senior living communities in the United States, recently unveiled a new company brand name, Vi (pronounced “VEE”). The company will brand its continuing care retirement communities as Vi (e.g., Vi at La Jolla Village, Vi at Palo Alto), while its rental communities will change their names to Classic Residence, a Vi Community. Irrespective of the new name, leadership, management and day-to-day operations remain unchanged for the Chicago, Illinois-based company and all of its communities.
Vi is derived from vida, the Latin word for life. “Our new identity reflects what our communities are all about—health, happiness and vitality,” comments Randal J. Richardson, the company’s president. “In addition, the name Vi captures the environment and experience we offer residents, and signifies our continued dedication to providing communities and services that enhance the quality of our residents’ lives.”
Besides introducing its new name and logo, Vi has launched a website, www.ViLiving.com. The company will embark on a marketing campaign this fall to support the new brand.
Planning toolkit aims to promote healthy aging in communities
In January, the first leading-edge Boomers will turn 65 and start to receive their social security checks. This demographic shift will transform aging in place—as we know it—in communities, and now is the time to plan for its impact. The Center for Civic Partnerships, headquartered in Sacramento, California, has produced a toolkit outlining a community-based planning process to promote healthy aging. Aging Well in Communities: A Toolkit for Planning, Engagement and Action is a user-friendly guide to help local governments, human service providers, community groups and other partners plan now to address both the challenges and opportunities that are coming. This resource can be accessed on the center’s website.
AoA releases toolkit for serving diverse communities
The Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, has developed a new resource for the Aging Network and its partners. Entitled A Toolkit for Serving Diverse Communities, this resource presents a replicable and easy-to-use method for providing services for any diverse community. The toolkit consists of a four-step process and a questionnaire that helps professionals, volunteers and grassroots advocates with every stage of program planning, implementation and service delivery—not only for older-adult communities, but also for families and caregivers. The core principles communicated in the toolkit include respect, inclusion and sensitivity as the hallmarks of quality service. This AoA resource is available for free download
South Carolina community launches programming for memory-care residents
Located on the campus of Cascades Verdae, a Senior Living Communities campus in Greenville, South Carolina, Linville Courts recently introduced the company’s OASIS program. Linville Courts is home to the community’s assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care residents, and OASIS, the acronym for Older Adult Series for Individualized Success, is designed to improve resident engagement in memory-care residents. This person-centered initiative encompasses the following six programs:
- WAVES, which combines the therapeutic benefits of warm water with low-impact aerobic exercise as residents are guided through movements by assigned caregivers;
SWAY, a chair-based exercise class;
SANDY PALMS, an indoor/outdoor gardening program;
DESTINATIONS, which features community outings and educational classes;
MIRAGES, a sensory-driven art program; and
CRAVINGS, a baking and cooking program.
“Our focus remains on offering proactive solutions and helping the person, not being reactive and responding to the disease,” says Karen Nichols, Cascades Verdae’s executive director. “Several studies have found a connection between moderate exercise and cognitive activity, and increased socialization has been proven to improve mood and self-esteem.”
[Ed. WAVES is among the initiatives highlighted in Marilynn Larkin’s article “Nurturing wellness in people with dementia and their caregivers,” published in the March/April 2010 issue of the Journal on Active Aging®. Members of the International Council on Active Aging® can access this article in the members only section of the association website, www.icaa.cc.]
AARP debuts Spanish-language TV special on healthcare
In May, AARP, the national nonprofit membership organization serving age 50-plus Americans, debuted its first-ever Spanish-language television special targeting Hispanics over 50. Tackling the disparities in both health status and healthcare within the Hispanic community, Condición Crítica con el Dr. Elmer Huerta (Critical Condition with Dr. Elmer Huerta), the one-hour program presented by AARP VIVA, was divided into six segments. This program highlighted stories told by real patients who shared their experiences struggling with illness and available healthcare, while Huerta offered his expertise on prevention. The AARP special was transmitted by Spanish-language broadcaster Telemundo in 14 major markets, including New York; Los Angeles; Washington, DC; Miami; Dallas and Puerto Rico.
Geneva community celebrates start of construction
A groundbreaking ceremony and reception was held in July for GreenFields of Geneva, a $50 million Life Care community to be built west of Chicago, Illinois, in the scenic Fox River Valley. The groundbreaking marked the beginning of construction on the not-for-profit community, which will feature 147 apartment homes when completed—many with views of the nearby Tanna Farms golf course—plus assisted living apartments and skilled nursing private rooms. The community, which is sponsored and managed by Schaumburg-based Friendship Senior Options, will emphasize healthy living and provide support for whole-person wellness. Lifestyle amenities and opportunities will include:
- fitness programs, a workout center, and access to 17 miles of walking trails;
- intellectual pursuits, including continuing education opportunities, resident-driven interest groups, spiritual life programs, a creative arts studio, a media/computer room and a library; and
- social opportunities such as cultural event outings, daytrips, resident celebrations and a club room for mingling with friends.
The project’s anticipated finish date is late 2011.
HomeAid opens housing for developmentally disabled older adults
HomeAid Northern California, a Bay Area charity supported by the Home Builders Association of Northern California, recently dedicated phase one of the Village at Walpert Center, a housing project in Hayward for developmentally disabled older adults. Upon completion (expected in late summer 2010), the Walpert Center development will include five identical six-bedroom homes. Phase one, which was ready for occupancy in July, consists of two 3,400-sq.-ft. homes, with roughly 50% of costs donated. The development is the culmination of four years of work by builder captains Pulte Group, Ponderosa Homes, Meritage Homes, and William Lyon Homes—with assistance from Emerald Glen, The Walpert Center, and many subcontractors, suppliers and consultants.
Architecture and planning firm KTGY Group designed the buildings to accommodate the special needs and abilities of the residents who will live there. The architects included individual bedrooms, shared baths, and universal design techniques, says KTGY principal Jill Williams, AIA. In addition, they “incorporated a large living space for multiple activities, dining space for all the residents to congregate, and a large kitchen with an island to allow multiple preparation areas and good flow.”
The parents of future residents provided advice during the design phase, offering “invaluable insight to what would be necessary, as well as what they just wished for in a quality residence,” Williams adds. “Their struggle to find a place to call home for their adult children is what inspired the team to dedicate themselves to this effort.”
The Village at Walpert Center is the first project of its kind in Alameda County and a model for future collaborations, according to HomeAid Northern California. A chapter of the national nonprofit that builds transitional housing for those who are homeless, the California-based group acted as the housing developer and liaison between service providers, community volunteers, builders and specialty contractors.
ACSM publishes consensus statement on older athletes
Team physicians representing some of the largest sports medicine organizations in the US have developed guidelines for “master athletes”—a group they define as “active individuals aged 50 years or older.” Selected Issues for the Master Athlete and the Team Physician, the recently released American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) consensus statement, is designed to give medical professionals heightened knowledge when treating these exercisers.
Among its recommendations, the expert panel says it is essential that physicians treating master athletes understand:
- The symptoms of injuries such as Achilles tendonitis, lumbar spinal stenosis, rotator cuff tears, elbow injuries, and osteoarthritis in the hip, knee and shoulder.
- There is an age-related decline in muscle mass and strength for older athletes, but resistance training modifies these declines and should be recommended.
- The most common cause for sudden death in master athletes is a heart attack. Personal or family history of cardiac issues may warrant electrocardiogram (ECG) testing. Athletes with more than 50% artery blockage should be restricted from high-intensity activity.
- Automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) should be available at all sanctioned master athletes sporting events, along with personnel trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- A preparticipation physical examination should be performed to clear master athletes for participation or identify the need for further evaluation or referral.
“Master athletes expect more of themselves than just casual exercise,” says Stanley Herring, MD, FACSM, facilitator of the consensus statement series and one of ACSM’s representatives on the expert panel. “They want to stay competitive and perform at an optimal level—but their changing physiological makeup may require a bit more customized treatment from their physician,” Herring continues. “Our consensus statement helps physicians make the wisest medical decisions for these athletes.” The full text is available at http://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/Fulltext/2010/04000/Selected_Issues_for_the_Master_Athlete_and_the.26.aspx.
TSI announces EcoSteps
New York-based Town Sports International (TSI), which owns and operates fitness clubs in the US Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions, has launched a new initiative called EcoSteps. This fully integrated sustainability program “will bring innovative processes, practices and solutions to TSI’s entire club network,” according to the company’s announcement.
TSI’s plan “has been 24 months in the making and takes a holistic look at our entire operation to figure out how to not just ‘go green,’ but also how to become more efficient in the process,” says Chief Operating Officer Martin Annese. The company aims to reduce energy usage by 20%, water usage by 5% and recyclable waste by 75% over the next three years. This long-term program, which TSI will be working on closely with community leaders and sustainability experts, will educate employees and members about how they can participate to help achieve these goals.
“A healthy planet means healthy living for all of us, which is why we’ve made a companywide commitment to lessening TSI’s impact on the environment,” states Annese. “EcoSteps is a natural extension of our company’s mission to improve health and fitness. More efficient, more environmentally sustainable clubs will give our members better opportunities to work toward both a healthier body and planet.”
Australia awards grants to increase dementia support
Australian Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot recently announced that 82 community projects would be awarded $3.5 million (AUS) in grants to provide support and raise awareness for people with dementia and their families. Over $63,000 (AUS) will go to Helping Hand Aged Care, Inc., a South Australian nonprofit that cares for more than 7,000 older adults. This will fund two initiatives:
- the Memory Farm Project, which uses memorabilia and antiques to support reminiscence therapy and social engagement; and
- the Telling My Story filmmaking project, which assists people with dementia in recalling and passing on their life experiences.
Among the other projects funded are the development of a mobile sensory room; exercise and nutrition programs; programs to reduce social isolation; and drama and music programs. Details on grant recipients are available at www.health.gov.au/dementia.
Canada considers ‘Seniors Day,’ updates advisory council priorities
In June, Canada’s Minister of State for Seniors Diane Ablonczy introduced Bill C-40 in the House of Commons, entitled “Celebrating Canada’s Seniors Act.” According to the minister’s office, this bill supports the creation of a National Seniors Day “to recognize the significant and continuing contributions seniors make to their families, communities, workplaces and society.” The proposed legislation, as passed by the House of Commons, calls for this observance to be celebrated every year on October 1, coinciding with the International Day of Older Persons. But, as of press time, Bill C-40 appears stalled in the Senate.
In addition, Ablonczy announced new priorities for the National Seniors Council (NSC), which advises the federal government on matters related to older-adult well-being and quality of life. Mentioning the release of NSC’s report on its 2009 priorities—volunteering and positive/active aging—the minister noted that “Canada’s seniors are more active, healthier and living longer than ever before, and therefore many will be working past the age of 60. That is why I have asked the [NSC] to look at two new priorities: labor force participation and intergenerational relations.”
Inaugural world congress presents the science behind exercise
The science and practice of exercise was featured at the first-ever World Congress on Exercise is Medicine, held in conjunction with the American College of Sports Medicine’s 57th Annual Meeting in June. The congress included attendees and presenters from multiple continents and countries. Scientific sessions covered such topics as cardioprotective benefits of vigorous physical activity, metabolic and clinical effects of sitting too much, and physical activity and mental health. An official global launch of Exercise is Medicine also took place, celebrating the program’s expansion and the shared international goal of improving the health of all people.
During the Baltimore meeting, the World Health Organization (WHO) was presented with the inaugural Exercise is Medicine “Global Health Achievement in the 21st Century” award. The WHO was recognized for creating its Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health.
Launched in 2007 by the American College of Sports Medicine, Exercise is Medicine calls on healthcare providers to assess their patients’ physical activity regimens at every visit and to provide counseling and referrals to fitness professionals when needed. The program now includes more than 300 organizational partners.
WHO introduces global network of age-friendly cities
On June 29, the World Health Organization launched the Global Network of Age-friendly Cities as part of a broader response to the rapid aging of populations. The network aims to help cities create urban environments that allow older people to remain active and healthy participants in society.
The WHO Age-friendly Cities initiative began in 2006 by identifying key elements of the urban environment that support active and healthy aging. Research from 33 cities confirmed the importance for older people of access to public transport, outdoor spaces and buildings, as well as the need for appropriate housing, community support and health services. But it also highlighted the need to foster the connections that allow older people to be active participants in society, to overcome ageism, and to provide greater opportunities for civic participation and employment. The Global Network builds on these principles. Participating cities are required to start an ongoing process of assessment and implementation, committing to take active steps to create a better environment for older residents. Many individual cities, both large and small, have formally applied to join the Network. New York City has become the first member.
CDC Healthy Aging Network offers online conference
In late-breaking news, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Healthy Aging Research Network has announced a new initiative, Environmental and Policy Change for Healthy Aging, produced in partnership with Creating Aging-Friendly Communities. From September 2010 through January 2011, this interactive, online conference will feature online presentations, webinars and resources. Intended to build capacity for change, the initiative will address policy, practice and partnerships. Information is available by emailing hanepc@uw.edu.
