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- Program management
Cultivating a water exercise program using an evaluation approach Part two: program strategies, effectiveness and sustainability by Mary E. Sanders, PhD, FASM
Evidence-based program design depends on using sound scientific research to shape programs that meet the needs of participants through “best practice” decisions. An evaluation approach offers active-aging professionals a systematic method for developing programs derived from scientific evidence.
Daniel L. Stufflebeam, PhD, a professor at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, developed a decision-making framework that addresses four different kinds of decisions faced by program developers.
Program management
What do active older adults want? by Lisa Ackerman
A few years ago I made the transition from teaching general population group-exercise classes to teaching active older adults. This was an interesting challenge for me. I’d always loved spending time with older people–it was a treat to hear stories of their seasoned lives–but I wasn’t sure how to approach an exercise class with them. Thus, I looked to the standard educational books and fitness conference trainings for some background in this area. This information was certainly helpful in terms of understanding the aging physical body, but it occurred to me that most of the experts were like me: active but not yet “older” adults themselves.
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Two Sunnyside programs promote wellness participation
Located on more than 100 acres in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, Sunnyside continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Harrisonburg, Virginia, boasts views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a long history of service. This not-for-profit CCRC, which has been in existence since 1955, is one of three campuses belonging to parent company Sunnyside Retirement Communities, an organization that has provided retirement living since 1912.
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Cultivating a water exercise program using an evaluation approach, part one: core values, resources, needs and the environment by Mary E. Sanders, PhD, FACSM
During a recent visit to the University of Nevada, Reno, George L. Blackburn, MD, PhD, associate professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School, was asked: What is the best way to design a physical activity program for people who want to adopt an active lifestyle? That was not an easy question to answer, Blackburn indicated. The most important factor to consider, he said, was that the program must be gradually progressive and individualized to address the needs of participants.
moreProgram management
Build a loyal following for 50+ programming By Laura Warf
There are numerous ways to schedule fun and beneficial programs into your facility that will attract and retain the older adult. Due to all the media attention health and wellness are receiving, adults are shopping around for activities that will keep them healthy and mobile well into their later years. Try the following approaches to grow a successful 50+ program and build a loyal following of members.
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Helpful resources for active aging professionals by Terry Fay, B.A.
As a professional activity director, have worked with a continuum of abilities-from active, fit people to those experiencing memory loss and immobility. From the start, I wanted participants in my classes and programs to enjoy intellectual opportunity, emotional wellness and spiritual experiences, as well as physical health. And I wanted them to laugh, play and feel acknowledged.
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