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- Motivation
Person-centered approaches to connect with people with dementia in the moment by Marilynn Larkin, MA
Emerging research confirms the importance of "person-centered care" in maximizing quality of life and well-being for people with dementia. The Journal on Active Aging interviewed three experts who take a person-centered approach to dementia care. Their programs train staff to move beyond structured programming to include meaningful interactions-informed by deep knowledge of the individuals they work with-that take place in the moment, during unstructured time.
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Overcoming obstacles to exercise among people with arthritis: How can you help? by Julie J. Keysor, PT, PhD, and Aileen Ledingham, PT, MS
Joint pain and stiffness are cardinal signs of knee and hip osteoarthritis. Joint pain and stiffness make it difficult to move and people inevitably slow down. That doesn’t really help, though. Inactivity makes muscles weak, which compounds the pain and stiffness. Inactivity in itself can result in pain and stiffness. How does one break the cycle? By knowing barriers to exercise and behavior-change strategies, you can guide older adults with this chronic condition in achieving more physically active lifestyles.
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Changing lifestyle behaviors: three approaches that work by Marilynn Larkin, MA
Behavior change is difficult for anyone at any age, and older adults are no exception. The journal Modern Healthcare reported on a working paper that documented what many people already know from experience: Knowledge alone is a poor motivator. In this article, three experts share behavior-change strategies to promote better health, well-being and quality of life among older adults.
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Spring into Action: a senior community associate and resident wellness partnership by Connie Miller
Active-aging professionals provide a wide range of programming to help older adults improve their health and wellness, but motivating people to take part and make healthy lifestyle changes can be challenging. Kisco Senior Living, based in Carlsbad, California, recently created a program that inspired residents to make and reach healthy living goals.
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Successful aging: the critical ingredients by Michael R. Mantell, PhD
In the words of Walter M. Bortz, II, MD, “Longevity is neither an accident nor an isolated phenomenon. It is a product of specific healthy behaviors, a direct consequence of health maintenance.” How do you help clients—and yourself—live to age 100? The formula Bortz and his followers suggest is consistent with age-old wisdom and contemporary science.
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Motivational understanding by Michael R. Mantell, PhD
My heart was touched recently in my favorite local deli in San Diego. No, it wasn’t the Reuben sandwich I treat myself to once a month, nor was it the sour pickles. It was an unexpected birthday party that I found so moving. “Would everyone please join us in celebrating Mary’s 102nd birthday?” the hostess’s voice sang out. I looked up and there was Mary, sitting next to her husband and beaming with excitement, joy and fulfillment. .. Of course, I asked her what she called “the million-dollar question”: “What’s your secret to your longevity and obvious happiness?” “Son,” she replied, “I choose to be happy, and regardless of any interferences, I’ve always been active.” ... How did these exemplary role models become, and apparently stay, motivated to choose happiness and remain focused on being active, when behavior change is so difficult and takes so long for so many? Part of the answer lies in understanding not only the generations that people come from, but also the key models that can explain the success and failure of change efforts.
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