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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- Innovator awards
Innovative efforts fuel new options
Growth. It's what active aging is all about. For those who embrace it, active aging embodies the life-affirming philosophy that, at any age, people can engage in life as fully as possible within the multiple dimensions of wellness. It's a journey steeped in learning and growth. Active-aging professionals and organizations are also on this journey. Each year, they synthesize what they know--from formal/informal learning and on-the-ground experience--and what they have recently discovered into new wellness opportunities for older adults. Knowledge combines with creativity and passion in efforts that advance research, concepts, practices, programs and environments. To encourage this momentum toward growth, the International Council on Active Aging invites applications for its annual ICAA Innovators Awards. ICAA presents these awards each year to those in the industry who are leading the way, setting new standards, and making a difference in the lives of older adults. The program exists to recognize excellence and creativity in the industry.
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The Thrive Institute encourages older adults to flourish
Notre Dame du Lac has served as "a place of renewal, refreshment and healthy living" for many years. Built shortly after 1900 in Worcester, Massachusetts, the building was first a convent for the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, who informally referred to the site as "God's Acre." Efforts to preserve du Lac's character earned praise when the building was extensively renovated before opening as an assisted-living center in 2000. "The building and programs have adapted to each era, but always with a mission towards the health of elders,"says the website of Notre Dame Health Care (NDHC), the nonprofit organization that today carries on the holy sisters' mission. Deeply committed to person-centered care for the whole person, NDHC promotes social, physical, intellectual, emotional, environmental and spiritual well-being. The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur's core mission also includes a commitment to "educate for life." Launched in fall 2014, The Thrive Institute embodies NDHC's holistic-health and education commitments with its "Thrivin" series of programs for older adults.
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Five Meal Plan: Quincy Village reimagines food services
Quincy Village in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, focuses "on providing older adults with quality service and a meaningful experience." Set amid the mountains, forests and farmlands of Franklin County, the not-for-profit continuing care retirement community provides four levels of living--independent living, personal care, assisted living and skilled nursing--and serves approximately 450 residents ages 55 and older. ... "Quincy Village is always looking at how we can raise the bar and deliver and support the best engaging services and culture, and in doing so, enhance the quality of life for our residents," says Director of Community Life and Volunteer Services Laura Glass. "For example, we determined a need to enhance the dining experience within our community." Quincy Village staff researched and designed a new meal program that they believed would work best for residents in nursing care. "This plan breaks away from the traditional tray service found in nursing homes and replaces it with fresh, made-to-order food five times a day (instead of three)," Glass says. Called the Five Meal Plan, the new dining program "has truly allowed us to provide quality resident-centered care," she adds.
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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.
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Menorah Park's Center 4 Brain Health supports cognitive wellness journeys
Menorah Park has delivered premier senior care in northeast Ohio for more than 110 years. Located in Beachwood, a suburb of Cleveland, the organization serves more than 1,000 older adults each day who either live on the 42-acre campus or in their own homes "with excellence in caring guided by Jewish values," according to its marketing messages. The nonprofit today identifies itself as "a provider of health and wellness services to all people as they age." In addition to a full continuum of residential care, Menorah Park provides an array of support services, including the Center 4 Brain Health, "the first non-pharmacological, non-hospital based Brain Health Center located in a senior care community in the United States."
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Mentoring to sharing memories. Green Hills connects Techy Teens with Savvy Seniors
At Green Hills Community in West Liberty, Ohio, the focus is on "enriching all seasons of life." The nonprofit, faith-based senior living and care provider offers services for the spectrum of older adults. Residents have the community's support in enhancing multidimensional wellness, with "enriching life experiences" and lifestyles that promote healthy, active living. In 2015, Green Hills introduced the Techy Teens--Savvy Seniors program, which brought high school students and older adults together in an exchange that expanded over time and created relationships and understanding between the generations.
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