International Council on Active Aging
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ICAA online directory of successful programs for older adults
Translating the dimensions of wellness into everyday practice
How to complete the online program listing
This information on completing the online listing is also available in a printable format in the Print versions section.
Dimensions of wellness
Many programs provide opportunities for older adults to engage in multiple dimensions of wellness. While many programs cover multiple areas, please choose only one primary dimension. This will determine how the program is indexed in the Directory.
Check the ONE primary wellness dimension.
Check the second dimension of wellness if it is appropriate.
Program name:
List the complete name, followed by an acronym if that term is commonly used.
Developed by (person/organization):
Provide the name of a person or an organization so viewers know the source of the program. In addition, this gives credit to the developer.
Contact person: (for more information and details about the program)
The person’s name and e-mail and telephone number are needed to answer additional questions. This person should have the additional written information ready if it is not available on a website. List the job title of the person, so the staff position that knows about the program is always available.
Website: (for more information and details about the program)
If the additional program details are not available on a website, then refer people to the person above.
Program description:
Describe your program in 35 words or less. The name of the program/class/event and its purpose. For example, XYZ program combines classes in healthy eating with a walking club. It has one session a week for 8 weeks. XYZ has been offered for 3 years.
This is what colleagues will see when searching. When writing the description, think about when you will use the Directory: What do you need to know about a program? Be succinct and limit the description to 35 words.
Indicators of program success:
List 3 things that indicate the program is successful. State how many people attend, how many times/years the program has been offered (is the success repeated?) and the outcomes that were achieved.
Published articles or papers:
Who else has acknowledged the success of the program? For programs that are evidence-based, list the journal(s) where results were published, with citations so others can look up the study. For promising-practice programs, list any articles in a newspaper or magazine about the program, or awards that program has achieved.
If the program has been endorsed by a major national organization, name that organization.
If there have been no articles on the program, simply say “not applicable.”
Program has easily available print and/or Internet resources and guidelines:
If people contact you with questions about your program, a written document is the easy way to respond. You can send by email or postal mail (you pay the cost of postage).
Program type: (Check all that apply)
Indicate the format of the program, whether aimed at groups or at individuals. If the program is delivered to older adults in their homes, check that box. If it can be successfully implemented in a seniors center or health club or retirement community/apartments or any other place outside a home, check “community-based.” For programs appropriate for people in a skilled nursing unit or a hospital setting, check “hospital-based.”
Program characteristics: (Check all that apply)
Check the qualifications of the leader of the program. In the additional description, please provide more information on what qualifications or skills are required. Indicate the other characteristics of the program.
Training requirements for leaders/teachers:
In the additional details, explain the type of certification or education or training the person needs to successfully lead the program. If a person does not need specialized training, list the skills they do need, for example, computer skills.
Program cost to organization:
Check “Free” if there is no cost to the organization to launch the program. Free programs may be provided by government or nonprofit agencies, or they can be private programs created by a person on staff or an organization that allows people to use and adapt the concept.
Check “License or ongoing fee” if the program there is a charge to the organization. List the fee here, but give more details in the additional written description.
Some programs may have a one-time fee, for example, to purchase a manual. If there are no other fees to offer the program, check “One-time purchase.”
Are fees charged to participants?
If participants pay for the program, check “yes.” If a portion of participants pay, but not all of them, click “yes.”
Program requirements (space, equipment, etc.):
Since the online directory is a snapshot of the program, make this a simple list. For example, room, table, chairs. In the additional description, please include more details about the space or equipment needed.
Target participant age ranges: (Check all that apply)
If the program is recommended for people at a certain age, or if access may be restricted by age (for example, some programs are available to people age 65 years older who receive Medicare), then check the appropriate boxes.
Suitable for persons with cognitive challenges?
Check “yes” or “no” to indicate if the program has been successful for people with cognitive challenges. On the written document that gives more details, you can provide more information.
Functional level of target population: (Check one or more, if applicable)
Many levels of functional ability are represented within the older adult population. Please indicate the one or more functional levels that describe people who can take advantage of the program. For example, a lecture may be appropriate for all, or almost all, of the functional levels. A walking program or balance training class may be appropriate for everyone except those who require assistance with ADLs, while an annual mountain hiking trip may be targeted to people who are generally healthy and active.
Physical activity program best practices (Check “yes” or “no”)
If this is NOT a physical activity program, then skip this list.
If the program does feature physical activity, then check each practice area. A “yes” or “no” does not exclude a program; rather it is there simply to describe key elements used in the program’s design. The descriptors are provided so the user can decide more easily if a program is appropriate for their population.
These best practices for physical activity programs were based on checklists provided by organizations including the American Academy of Sports Medicine and the National Council on Aging. They are provided by the National Blueprint for Increasing Physical Activity Among Older Adults.
