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- Industry development
Saluting standouts
With the global pandemic fostering an increased emphasis on the importance of preserving health and pursuing wellness, senior living communities are facing both greater expectations and opportunities. In fact, a 2018 survey conducted by the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) found that 59% of senior living communities intended to shift their business model to be wellness-centered with care services--rather than traditional care-based communities with options for wellness--by 2023. For the third year, ICAA and NuStep, LLC, are celebrating this industry-shifting movement by naming 25 senior living communities in North America as the "Best in Wellness" with the 2021 ICAA NuStep Beacon Award. Designed to showcase organizations that embrace wellness as a way of life for all residents and staff, these awards recognize outstanding commitment, creativity and culture.
moreIndustry development
ICAA–The next decade: A transformative trend will drive a changing industry by Colin Milner
I am thrilled, honored and humbled to share that October 1, 2021, marks the International Council on Active Aging's 20th anniversary! I look back on the many "firsts" in our journey to grow and unite the active-aging industry: defining "active aging" as a differentiator for senior living and organizations working with older adults; incorporating "functional capacity" as a pillar of healthy aging; embracing "older adults" as a heterogeneous population that spans a wide range of capabilities, interests and aspirations; and promoting a more comprehensive concept of wellness as culture. While it feels great to reflect on where we've come from and the progress we've made in building upon this foundation, I am laser-focused now on where we're going. Notable trends are emerging and converging to shape the industry moving forward. Driving all these trends is one overarching trend transforming the industry's future: the ascendence of the person-centered model.
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Wellness anchors the new model of senior living by Patricia Ryan, MS
There is no question that with the pandemic's arrival, all the staff and leadership at independent living, assisted living and memory care communities immediately took action to protect the health of residents and maintain their well-being. What is less certain is how communities will define themselves as they navigate through the starts and stops of emergence into life as the virus continues. For the senior living industry, the COVID-19 crisis has perversely created a major opportunity for reinvention. ... Responding to the ICAA Call to Action to reclaim health and well-being for older people by integrating wellness throughout organizational strategies and operations, thought leaders at the ICAA Forum May 2021 gathered to frame a new model of communities that will reach "middle income" individuals. Forum colleagues recognized that structuring amenities and services by the dimensions of wellness ... would reach a larger group of people at younger ages (about 70+) with solid incomes and streaks of independence.
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Beaming brightly: ICAA Nustep Beacon Award winners radiate exceptional cultures of wellness by Julie King, MS
In a year like no other, 2020 presented senior living communities throughout North America with myriad challenges to deliver multidimensional wellness to residents and staff. And yet, fueled by commitment, creativity and "can-do" attitude, providers cultivated novel opportunities that empowered individuals to enhance their well-being and quality of life amid a global pandemic. For the second consecutive year, the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) and NuStep, LLC, a leading manufacturer of recumbent cross-trainers, have recognized 25 communities as the "Best in Wellness" for fostering an exceptional culture and serving as examples of excellence. The 2020 ICAA NuStep Beacon Award winners deserve special credit for persevering in the face of unprecedented obstacles and ongoing changes. ... The top five communities also earn the prestigious ICAA NuStep Pinnacle Award, which signifies exemplary wellness performance. Here we share a glimpse of what makes these role models so successful at enriching lives throughout their communities.
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A time to build: Now is the time to reclaim wellness (includes "ICAA Call to Action: Reclaim wellness for older people")
As the world’s populations cautiously emerge from a year of restrictions and lockdowns, no one believes that life will return to the way it was before COVID-19 shifted reality. But during this transformative time, organizations and agencies can seize the opportunity to move beyond crisis management and develop a new, vibrant model to meet the needs and lifestyles of today’s older adult. “Now is the time that we can come together to reclaim our lives and businesses,” says Colin Milner, founder and CEO of the International Council on Active Aging. ICAA has issued a Call to Action to inspire this transformation, urging its members, associates and society at large to heed the call. Just as in October 2001 when ICAA set out to lead, define and connect the active-aging industry, the association encourages everyone to embrace these opportunities and advance a model that fosters the strength and resilience to live well.
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Spas: Embracing wellness through the pandemic and beyond by Marilynn Larkin, MA
Spas have long been a wellness hub both in senior living communities and in the community at large. International Spa Association (ISPA) data from before the coronavirus pandemic showed the industry was growing overall, with total revenues over USD$18 billion, and average revenue per spa reaching $826,000 in 2018. Notably, among 6 spa types, 80% were day spas and 8.2%, medical. These are the types of facilities most likely to serve older adults, and to operate as part of an active-aging community. The pandemic forced 99% of spas to close in the first quarter of 2020, according to ISPA. However, by October, most spas had navigated the reopening process, with 90% reporting opening and receiving guests. The turnaround has been "impressive and gratifying," according to Wendy Bosalavage, spa and wellness/chief revenue officer and president of New York City-based LIVunLtd, a consultancy, amenity/spa management company and concierge company. Yet, reopening has come with "some significant transformations," she acknowledges. ... The Journal on Active Aging recently interviewed Bosalavage about where spas are heading and why they remain a necessity for the active-aging industry.
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