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- Trends
Purpose-centered senior living: A new vision for engaging elders as change agents and leaders by Kay Van Norman, MS
In 2011 a massive earthquake and tsunami devastated northern Japan. Yet rather than seeking rescue, Japanese elders took leadership throughout the crisis by demonstrating hope and resilience. They rebuilt a local center, grew vegetables and provided food and comfort for people of all ages. The willingness of these older adults to help organize relief efforts, and the overwhelmingly positive outcomes, led to further outreach when disasters struck other countries. This was all made possible through the vision of Emi Kiyota, founder of Ibasho, a nonprofit that partners with local organizations and communities to empower elders to be change agents and leaders. Ibasho demonstrates that elders can provide leadership regardless of personal challenges or the magnitude of the situation. It also illustrates the power of purpose and the incredible positive momentum that one person can ignite in this world.
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Older women traveling solo by Gwen Hyatt, MS
Curiosity, wanderlust, personal growth, retirement, an empty nest, lack of a travel partner: Older women travel alone for many reasons. Today, with more opportunities to make the most of this longer "third age," more women are adventuring into the world of solo travel. No longer willing to stay marginalized by stereotypes, these women are helping shape the contours of a more mobile aging lifestyle....Solo trips now offer everything from women-only ski camps in the Alps, walking holidays in Scotland, cultural trips in India and yoga retreats in Costa Rica, to painting workshops in Greece and cooking weeks Italian style....The possibilities for program planning are increasing exponentially for fitness instructors, wellness and activity program directors, senior living tour operators, travel divisions in seniors centers, concierge/resident services, travel clubs and sales and marketing personnel.
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Ebikes: Getting a charge out of recreation by Gwen Hyatt, MS
Riding an ebike, or electric bike, for the first time feels like you are a kid again but with super powers. Whether you are a long-time cyclist or just thinking about getting on a bike, an ebike can make the sport of cycling seem easy and joyful, as well as provide an alternative mode of transportation. What's more, ebikes not only offer a way for older adults with some physical limitations to enjoy the great outdoors, but they also provide a welcome option for shorter trips around the local community. What exactly is an ebike? It's a regular bike equipped with a small electric battery and motor to boost pedaling speed and power. ...Ebikes are quite different from mopeds, scooters and motorbikes: Most do not go faster than 20 mph, are silent and do not spew exhaust fumes. Ebike popularity is swelling, and their use can become an integral part of your older-adult recreational community, both for fitness and for fun.
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What's trending in digital health technologies to support aging in place?
The number of Americans aged 65 or older reached 50 million in 2016 and is expected to reach 95 million by the year 2060. The impact of this age wave--a phenomenon seen worldwide as well as in the United States--has significant implications for products and services, not the least of which is healthcare. For more than two decades, studies have shown that elders want to age in place and remain among family and friends in familiar environments. Though there are currently many assistive devices and home-based services that exist to help communities and families handle challenges of aging, a trend is emerging to define and coordinate global strategies for creating digital health systems into a roadmap to the future ...
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Podcasting: An effective way to tell your story and share industry-related information by Marilynn Larkin, MA
Podcasting, a medium that has been around for more than 20 years, is enjoying a renaissance. ...In its coverage of the Hot Pod Summit, a gathering of key podcast industry decision-makers, Fast Company stated we are in the "golden age" of podcasting. In a recent report, "The Podcast Consumer 2018," Edison Research documented that among monthly podcast listeners, 34% are ages 18-34; 36%, 35-54; and 19%, 55 and older. These data suggest that podcasts have the potential to reach both industry staff and consumers. Further, in its summary, Edison Research notes, "There is tremendous opportunity to grow with persons 55+." Recognizing the potential, three industry organizations recently launched podcasts. The Journal on Active Aging interviewed the professionals involved to learn why and how they started their podcasts, and what the feedback has been so far.
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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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