Education

Online directory of successful programs

ICAA online directory of successful programs for older adults

Translating the dimensions of wellness into everyday practice

About the Directory

The ICAA Online Directory of Successful Programs for Older Adults was initiated during the 2006 ICAA Strategy Session, the think tank of leaders in the active-aging industry that identifies needs in the growing industry and recommends methods to address those needs.

Following discussion, delegates identified three top priority issues: 1. Identify best practices in the industry that serve as models, and tap into applicable practices from other organizations; 2. Expand “fitness” to the larger concept of wellness; and 3. Prepare for growth in numbers of the aging population, which includes people of diverse cultures and functional status and people with disabilities.

The Directory accomplishes the first action item by providing a forum for professionals to share their best program strategies. By emphasizing the six dimensions, the Directory represents the larger concept of wellness. The more professionals contribute to and draw from the Directory, the better positioned the industry will be to accept the large and diverse population of aging adults.

The format of the Directory was determined by industry providers who gave serious thought to the ultimate goals of the Directory.

Planning work group

The planning work group met from January through August 2007. They developed the criteria for inclusion in the Directory, the online program listing form, and the procedures for submission and review.

Lisa Bloder
Wellness Coordinator, Westminster Communities of Florida

Wojtek Chodzko-Zajko
Professor & Department Head Kinesiology & Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign

Jim Concotelli
VP of Resident Programs, Horizon Bay Senior Communities

Diane Doster
President, Wellbeyond Fitness

Reed Engel
Director of Wellness Strategies, Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging

Chaya Gordon
Senior Research Manager, American Society on Aging

Julie Milner
Chief Operating Officer, International Council on Active Aging

Lisa Sheppard
Project Coordinator, University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign

Patricia Ryan (facilitator)
Vice President Education, International Council on Active Aging

Review panel

The review panel assessed completed portions of the project in June and August 2007. This group made sure the Directory met the needs of the industry.

Allison Clark
Wellness Director, Abbotswood at Irving Park

Teresa Reymann
Wellness Manager, Charleston Retirement Community

Joyce Davidoff
Project Coordinator, Ageless Health Initiative, Area Agency on Aging

Anthony Slayen
Continental Health & Fitness Consultant, JCC Association

Terry Fay
Director of Resident Programs, Senior Lifestyle Corporation

Mary Ann Smith
Senior Wellness Director, Almaden Valley Athletic Club

Deb Gee
Fitness Facilitator, Holiday Retirement Corporation

Julie Stevens
Director of Lifestyle Enrichment, Classic Residence by Hyatt

Libbi Hash
Wellness Director, The Fountains, Kisco Senior Living

Muire Lindahl
Director of Aquatics and Fitness, Carleton-Willard Village

Roseann Lyle
Professor, Public Health, Purdue University & Coalition for Living Well After 50

Katy Moline
Director of Fitness, Universal Athletic Club