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- Physical wellness
Unveiling nutritional requirements of older adults, part one by Sandy Todd Webster
Our eating choices have a significant impact on our quality of life as we age, affecting everything from our physical well-being to our cognitive and mental health. Read on to explore the key nutrients that elude us as we age--and how to reclaim them.
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Chronic inflammation and its impact on health by Kenneth H. Cooper, MD, MPH
Chronic inflammation links to "a multitude of medical issues," notes this renowned preventive medicine pioneer. Outlining what causes this inflammation, he highlights healthy habits that can help reduce it.
morePhysical wellness
Strengthen the immune system naturally: More lifestyle strategies to counter chronic inflammation by Shirley Archer, JD, MA
If someone suggested that making very simple adjustments to one's daily routine would result in more energy, better sleep and potentially fewer aches and pains, with no adverse side effects and yet a host of beneficial side effects, would that persuade you or the people you work with to adopt them? In part one of my Journal on Active Aging (JAA) article on countering chronic inflammation for healthier aging, I described how lifestyle choices, environmental factors and genetics affect conditions related to inflammation. Since our genetics and many environmental factors--such as exposure to pollutants or environmental contaminants--are beyond our control, what we can influence are our lifestyle choices. The first article provided an overview of inflammation and focused on nutritional strategies to lower inflammation. Growing evidence is shining light on additional lifestyle factors and their relationship with the immune system. This second article offers a sampling of areas in which older adults can make simple lifestyle changes to support a healthy immune system, improve quality of life and enhance healthy aging.
morePhysical wellness
Practices to optimize skin health by Amy Henderson, RN, BSN
The changes in physical appearance are subtle at first: a softer jawline, a fuller neck and a few persistent smile lines around the eyes. A sideways glance in the mirror reveals a silhouette that resembles someone older--perhaps your mother, your father. You realize, however, that indeed it is you. And your appearance has changed with the passage of time. Our clients likely have experienced many such moments over the years. With age, several intrinsic and extrinsic factors--including decreased hormone levels, genetic history, lifestyle choices and environmental surroundings--contribute to changes in the skin's quality. ... In a society that still attaches a stigma to aging and a double standard that affects women in particular, physical changes to the skin can have a significant impact on a person's overall self-image and feelings of self-worth. These physical changes also increase the risk for skin conditions. ... Skin care [and lifestyle] practices...not only promote healthier skin, but also support wellness and graceful aging.
morePhysical wellness
Dance fitness: Older adults give it a whirl by Mary E. Sanders, PhD, CDE, ACSM-RCEP, FACSM
We don't have to be on "Dancing with the Stars" or an elite athlete to have a great time getting in the groove. From simple to advanced choreography, social dance-type moves are being incorporated more and more into fitness programs for older adults, promoting popular and proven health benefits for mind, heart, body and soul. Dancing styles of all kinds-including waltz, tango, folk dance and salsa-along with physical fitness types of fun movement like Zumba are all providing opportunities for participants to reap the rewards of enjoyable activities that also promote balance, movement quality (like walking or stepping forward and backward) and better sensory and motor perceptions.
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Physical activity for joint health by Mary Stauder, MS, ACSM-RCEP & EIM-3, NSCA-CPT, ACE-TES
Joint health and function become important to consider as a person ages. Through the prescription of exercise in the appropriate dose, type, frequency and intensity, joint function and integrity can be better managed to preserve individual quality of life and independence. In any discussion of active aging, it is nearly impossible to minimize the impact of normal wear and tear on the body as well as the physiological changes that can occur with aging and with deconditioning. Bone and joint health can be compromised by increases in body fat and decreases in bone density, fat free mass and cardiorespiratory fitness. Yet, at every age and any fitness level, individuals can work towards preserving their joint health and fitness through exercise.
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