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- Construction
Design strategies support active lifestyles among people living with dementia by Margaret Calkins, PhD, CAPS, EDAC
There is clear and convincing evidence of the benefits of physical exercise on the cognitive performance of older adults, both those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia and those without symptoms of dementia.1–10 You likely agree with the value of continued physical activity, and thus this article will explore how physical and social environments can be designed to encourage people living with all levels of dementia (from very early to later stages) to continue to be physically active.
An encouraging environment includes spaces designed to support specific physical activities, such as gyms, exercise rooms and pools and spaces, as well as adjacencies and amenities that support less structured physical activity. Our focus will be on designing spaces for less structured activity.
Construction
Choosing strength-training equipment for older adults: the benefits and advantages of Universal Design by Wayne T. Phillips, PhD, FACSM
In recent years there has been an increasing focus on the value of maintaining and increasing independence for older adults. This has occurred across a broad spectrum of the aging market, including senior centers, community centers and fitness centers. This same focus has also been seen in a broad range of senior housing, particularly continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) and assisted living communities, where aging in place is a paramount aspiration. The positive contribution of exercise—particularly strength training—in maintaining and improving independence and quality of life is now unquestioned. As a result of this, fitness and community centers are increasingly looking to cater to an aging clientele, while strength training, “fitness rooms” and/or wellness centers are becoming an accepted part of senior housing facilities and programming focused on this population.
The type of equipment purchased can make a major contribution to the success of any strength-training program for older adults. At the most basic level, if equipment is attractive, safe and easy to use, classes and participation generally are far more likely to begin and to continue. However, choices and purchase decisions for strength equipment often need to be made by individuals who have little or no experience or expertise in the use or operation of such equipment by older adults. This article presents evidence-based principles and guidelines that will enable intelligent and appropriate equipment purchase decisions to be made. These guidelines provide a template for a professional assessment of the equipment’s safety, ease of use and appropriateness for the desired population.
Construction
Equipping your wellness center: innovative fitness tools for the Age Wave by Colin Milner
In the past two decades, the fitness and wellness industry has gone from barbells to talking machines, and back again. Many new products have rocked the industry’s foundations during this time; others have fizzled away. With the first of the Baby Boomers turning 62 this year, innovative product introductions and modifications aimed at the aging adult are sure to keep the industry Richter scale going overtime. These fitness tools promise to help your wellness center serve the Age Wave better. There is one caveat to keep in mind, however: Any innovations, design changes or functional improvements must address the needs and abilities of your clients, current and future.
moreConstruction
How to choose a consultant by Gary Henkin, BS, and Jennifer Jacobs, MS
Imagine you are preparing to spend millions of dollars on the development or renovation of a new lifestyle center, fitness/wellness facility, recreation clubhouse or spa, and you are scratching your head wondering where to begin. You finally decide a consultant may be required. However, your impression of consultants is on par with “vultures,” looking to prey upon the vulnerable and confused. Sound familiar?
In reality, the right consultant can provide you with valuable assistance in the feasibility, design, preopening and management of your facility. The selection of a consultant, therefore, is a critical decision—one that can ultimately impact the success or failure of your project. Hiring a qualified consultant who has the depth of experience and expertise required for your project will likely save you time, money and numerous headaches. Choosing the wrong consultant can result in project delays, expenses and organizational chaos. Through proper planning, research, thorough interviewing and active engagement in the selection process, you will increase your odds of creating a relationship with a consultant that will help you build the foundation for your new facility’s success.
Construction
The development process by Donald DeMars, AIA, IIDA
Let me first explain that I was asked to write this article about the phase in the development process that begins with the acquisition and preparation of the property, the hiring of the design team, the selection of the contractor, and the building of the project. This invitation assumed that my chosen methodology in development is consistent with this traditional approach toward completing a project. In this approach, the developer completes a feasibility study and business plan, obtains the financing, then moves forward with purchasing the property, qualifying and hiring the design team, designing the project, and qualifying and hiring a contractor through bidding or negotiating a cost-plus contract. Finally, the developer builds the project.
moreConstruction
Creating an accessible fitness or wellness facility by Blythe Hiss, MS, and Amy E. Rauworth, MS, RCEP
By 2030, about one of every five Americans and one of every four Canadians will be 65 years of age or older.11,26 As our population ages, the incidence of chronic disease and disability will increase, creating an emerging priority that must be addressed by wellness, fitness and health professionals.12,13,17,23
Numerous studies have reported the benefits of increased physical activity and fitness in reducing cardiovascular and other health risk factors associated with chronic disease and disability.3,4,7,9 According to the Healthy People 2010 report from the United States Department of Health and Human Services, however, 56% of adults with disabilities do not engage in any leisure-time physical activity, compared to 36% of adults without disabilities.22 An estimated 52 million Americans with disabilities and/or activity limitations are not only at greater risk of developing serious health conditions linked to a sedentary lifestyle (such as diabetes,
