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- Market research
Aging in the time of COVID-19, part two: An ICAA interview with Age Wave's Ken Dychtwald by Colin Milner
In the 1980s, psychologist and gerontologist Ken Dychtwald, PhD, predicted a "demographic revolution" in the making. Demographic and cultural forces would converge, he believed, in an "absolutely predictable arrival, in our society and in our time," of an unprecedented demographic shift to an aging population. For this phenomenon, he coined the term age wave. And he signaled the need for society to prepare in his 1989 book Age Wave: The Challenges and Opportunities of an Aging America. Today, the renowned researcher, consultant and best-selling author of 17 books is considered one of North America's most original thinkers on the social, economic, healthcare, marketing and workforce implications of the age wave. As CEO of the International Council on Active Aging, I have long viewed Dr. Dychtwald as an early visionary whose work helped to lay the foundation for the active-aging industry and continues to this day to build it. Below is part two of an interview I conducted with Dychtwald earlier this year, in which he delves into topics ranging from challenges with healthcare, wellness and Alzheimer's, to COVID's senior living impact, to longevity, retirement and the "third age." He also ponders the question of legacy. Let's jump in.
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Aging in the time of COVID-19, part one: An ICAA interview with Age Wave’s Ken Dychtwald by Colin Milner
My journey into what would become the active-aging field began when I was in my 30s. After more than a decade in the fitness industry, I joined a well-known manufacturer of fitness equipment whose clients included senior living communities. Trips to these communities included conversations with staff who embraced the emerging evidence for the benefits of exercise for older adults, including the frailest elders. These professionals were often the sole believers within their organizations. ... Active aging has grown into a movement on the shoulders of individuals who have made a difference by challenging the status quo, conducting or disseminating research about aging, and envisioning new possibilities in cultural and demographic shifts. Among its seminal figures is psychologist, gerontologist, Age Wave CEO and best-selling author of 17 books, Ken Dychtwald, PhD.... In June 2020, as COVID-19 continued to upend daily life, Dr. Dychtwald and I discussed aging in this unique and unsettling time. Let’s dive in to part one of what turned into a wide-ranging interview about life, aging, generational identity and legacy.
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'ICAA B2B Snapshot Report: Nutrition needs in senior living
There was a time when food simply filled our need for energy, sustenance and social experiences. Today, food is recognized as much more because of its impact on our physical and cognitive health and performance--no matter our age. This knowledge, driven by science, has seen the messages about food choices for healthy eating widely promoted in the United States. To discover more about the knowledge of healthy eating among residents in senior living, and to learn how food services are delivered, the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) has conducted a brief survey of members and associates throughout the United States. Responses to the ICAA B2B Snapshot Survey illuminate nutrition needs in senior living and how organizations are addressing them. This article presents some research highlights.
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Small risk, big reward: Increase your organization's "return on aging"by Jeff Weiss
If you attended the recent International Council on Active Aging Conference in Orlando, Florida, you might have received a copy of Age of Majority's whitepaper titled "The Massive Growth Opportunity that Marketers Are Missing." Our agency chose an intentionally broad title for this research-based publication. A title that only hints at the potential profit awaiting those who more effectively engage the 55+ market. At the heart of this lost growth opportunity are assumptions and stereotypes that surround consumers ages 55+, identified by contrasting marketer perceptions against how consumers truly see themselves and behave.
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The dynamic role of active aging among women age 50+ by Steve French, MBA
Aging is of concern and interest for a wide spectrum of the population. How we age, including ways to do so in a healthy and vibrant manner, is especially important. While these issues are relevant to all ages and both genders, women age 50+ are particularly attentive to this subject. The attitudes and behaviors of these women have the potential to impact not only the marketplace for healthy aging, but also trends about how aging is perceived overall.
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Making the connection between wellness and quality of life by Patricia Ryan, MS
When asked about what’s important as they age, older adults often place “health” and “being independent” at the top of the list, whether the question is asked by financial companies, AARP or university researchers. According to the International Council on Active Aging’s industry research, the health and well-being of residents is the top reason why age-qualified communities invest in lifestyle/wellness programs. So it’s fair to ask: How successful are communities in supporting their residents’ health, independence and overall quality of life?
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