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- Environmental wellness
Simple environmental design solutions to support sleep for healthy aging by Regina Vaicekonyte, MS, WELL AP; Carolyn Swope, MPH, WELL AP; Stephanie Timm, PhD, LEED AP, WELL AP; and Whitney Austin Gray
It is commonly believed that poor sleep is part of the normal aging process. Fortunately, it doesn't have to be, as many healthy older adults have few to no issues sleeping. However, about 70% of aging adults do experience sleep disturbances. New research is revealing how sleep can be impacted by our built environment-such as noise, temperature or light pollution-and offers new opportunities for sleep promotion. Although people are often encouraged to simply change their behavior, that's easier said than done. Alternatives such as sleeping pills and alcohol are used as seemingly "quick fixes." Instead, changing our built environment to support sleep makes the healthy choice the easy choice-and can benefit a community's bottom line, too.
moreEnvironmental wellness
Piedmont Gardens creates a horticultural space with a healthy purpose
California's San Francisco Bay Area is among the most desirable and diverse places to live in the United States--and generations of its citizens have chosen Piedmont Gardens as their home. Located in what Recreation Therapist Tanya Roscoe calls "a vibrant, culturally diverse community in North Oakland," the life-plan community has welcomed the East Bay's older adults for almost 50 years. Yet, there's nothing dated about its appeal. Oakland Magazine recently named Piedmont Gardens as the Readers' Choice for "Best in Senior Living" in its "Best of Oakland and the East Bay 2018" roundup. Earlier this year, the Village--Piedmont Gardens' skilled nursing section--earned a national five-star quality rating from the federal government's Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The Village's Honeybee Sanctuary and Rooftop Garden also garnered Piedmont Gardens the 2017 ICAA Innovators Green Award.
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Nature walking and health: An update on benefits to mind, body and spirit of time in nature by Shirley Archer, JD, MA
Have you felt awe at nature's beauty after watching a glowing, multicolored sunset? Or invigorated while inhaling the scent of the ocean, as you hear waves crash, feel cool mist against your skin and dig bare toes into sand? Or serene from listening to a stream gurgle and leaves rustle in a summer breeze? These are all examples of nature's power to capture attention, transform mood and offer peaceful perspective on our place in nature's vast scheme. Today, compelling and growing scientific evidence offers proof that we reap health benefits from time spent in nature.
moreEnvironmental wellness
Earth-friendly endeavors: Wake Robin nurtures a healthy, sustainable community
In June 2015, the New York Times published an article in its "Business Day" section delving into the growing demand for--and expectations of--green retirement communities. Writer Constance Gustke also mentioned some of the benefits of these "eco-conscious" communities, such as a healthier living environment for older adults and a reduced carbon footprint and financial incentives for providers. Among the communities profiled was Wake Robin in Shelburne, Vermont. Named for the deep-red trillium flower that grows in the northeastern United States, Wake Robin is a life-plan community that overlooks scenic Lake Champlain. Core values include respect for residents' dignity, independence and goals, exemplified by a "resident-powered" community life. ... Environmental stewardship is the other core value at Wake Robin. "We are committed to responsible stewardship of resources, to the beauty and accessibility of our community and surroundings, and to nurturing the environment for a sustainable future," its website states.
moreEnvironmental wellness
Well Living Lab: Technology yields evidence-based insights on indoor environments by Marilynn Larkin, MA
Most Journal on Active Aging readers are aware of the wellness benefits of outdoor environments, with easy access to flora, fauna, streams and fountains, meditation and walking paths and other features from nature. ... Much less is known about the power of the indoor environment to affect health and well-being in communities and organizations--and that knowledge is critical, says Dana Pillai, president of Delos Labs, the research arm of New York City-based wellness real estate and technology company Delos.
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Enhancing wellness: Maximize use of indoor/outdoor environments by Marilynn Larkin, MA
A card table that sits vacant most of the day. long empty corridors.a patch of land lying fallow outside a residence ...These are common sights in settings that serve older adults - yet, those unused and often unsightly indoor and outdoor spaces can be transformed into inviting venues that motivate members or residents to increase physical activity, socialization, and emotional and spiritual wellness. ... For industry professionals who seek to enhance older-adult wellness, exploring use of space is an avenue that can yield results.
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