International Council on Active Aging
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Press releases
Steady rise in arthritis inspires ICAA and the Arthritis Foundation to join forces for Active Aging Week, September 24-October 1, 2007
Partnership prepares ICAA members to offer fitness classes for age 50-plus adults with arthritis during annual event to promote healthier lifestyles
(Vancouver, BC; July 13, 2007) The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that by the year 2030, one in four adults in the United States will be diagnosed with arthritis. This comes as no surprise to Colin Milner, CEO of the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA), an association that supports professionals who develop wellness and fitness facilities and services for adults over 50. Milner notes that currently there are 46 million Americans affected by the disease. To help counteract this rise, the ICAA has established an educational partnership with the Arthritis Foundation for ICAA's fifth annual Active Aging Week initiative, held September 24-October 1, 2007. The theme of this year's event is "Choose an active life."
During Active Aging Week, participating organizations will introduce older adults to physical activity and exercise options by providing seminars, health fairs, fitness classes, and other activities at no charge. The ICAA/Arthritis Foundation partnership will give ICAA members the opportunity to expand their offerings. "This partnership offers an exciting opportunity for ICAA members to receive instructor training from a nationally-recognized leader in arthritis education," says Milner.
"ICAA members often serve a large portion of the 46 million Americans with arthritis in this country, so we are excited to provide these professionals with training and partnership resources that will help them focus on the wellness of the individuals they work with," comments Judy Altman, Vice President of Community Outreach with the Arthritis Foundation, Virginia Chapter. "We hope that their participants will see the same great results the research has shown on our programs, which includes reducing pain, improving mobility, and addressing other symptoms chronic pain produces, such as depression."
The Virginia Chapter is just one of 12 chapters that will offer instructor training workshops in eleven U.S. cities geared towards individuals and facilities working with people with arthritis. Upon completion of training, successful candidates will be qualified to offer official Arthritis Foundation classes in their local communities during Active Aging Week, with certification lasting three years.
"We're thrilled to be teaming up with the Arthritis Foundation during Active Aging Week," says Milner. "Though this event focuses on the six dimensions of wellness for older adults (emotional, vocational, physical, spiritual, intellectual and social), physical activity plays a key role in quality of life, both for the body and the mind. Joining forces with the Arthritis Foundation allows us to make a meaningful contribution to improving the health and wellness of older adults."
About Active Aging Week
Website: www.icaa.cc/aaw.htm
Active Aging Week is an annual event held the last week of September (culminating on October 1, International Day of Older Persons). The week was initiated by the International Council of Active Aging to give as many older adults as possible the means to experience activities and exercise in a safe, friendly and fun atmosphere. During the week, host organizations provide a variety of free activities, such as classes, educational seminars, access to fitness facilities, health fairs, community walks or tennis matches.
About International Council on Active Aging
The ICAA is the world's largest membership association dedicated to changing the way we age by uniting and working with professionals in the retirement, assisted living, recreation, fitness, rehabilitation and wellness fields. We connect a community of like-minded professionals who share the goals of changing society's perceptions of aging and improving the quality of life for Baby Boomers and older adults within the six dimensions of wellness (emotional, vocational, physical, spiritual, intellectual, social).
For interviews or more information about the ICAA and aging-related issues, contact:
Colin Milner, CEO
International Council on Active Aging
Toll-free: 1-866-335-9777 (North America only)
Telephone: 604-734-4466
colinmilner@icaa.cc
About the Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 46 million Americans living with arthritis, the nation's number-one cause of disability. Founded in 1948, with headquarters in Atlanta, the Arthritis Foundation has multiple service points located throughout the country.
The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $380 million in research grants since 1948. The foundation helps individuals take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis. Information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-283-7800 or www.arthritis.org.
For more information about the Arthritis Foundation instructor training, contact:
Judy Altman, Vice President, Community Outreach
Arthritis Foundation, Virginia Chapter
Telephone: 804-359-1700, ext. 303
jaltman@arthritis.org
