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Vibrant lives, vital roles: Observing Active Aging Week 2024
Community life benefits in countless ways from the contributions of older adults. Through volunteerism, mentorship or activism, individuals tutor children, support young leaders, build homes, protect pollinators, and raise funds for charities, for example. These men and women contribute to their community's health and well-being by staying active, productive and engaged as they age. They also promote their own healthier longevity. In fall 2024, Active Aging Week encouraged adults aged 50+ to participate in activities that promote leading active, engaged lives.
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At the apex: "Best in Wellness" senior living communities by Julie King, MS
As research broadens understanding of active aging's value, and technology expands capabilities and offerings, opportunities proliferate to enhance wellness cultures. Also driving this evolution is a continuing shift in perceptions about older adults' abilities and potential, plus their increased expectations. This article highlights ICAA NuStep Pinnacle Award recipients as role models of thriving wellness cultures in senior living. "What these communities have in common is the ability to offer transformative experiences that markedly enhance quality of life," says ICAA's Colin Milner.
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Nourishing minds by Sandy Todd Webster, MSFS
Could meals served in your dining room, restaurants or cafes contribute to stemming cognitive decline among residents and members? With dementia and Alzheimer's rates rising, research increasingly points to nutrition as a potential supporting factor in the cognitive health puzzle. Emerging studies reveal that thoughtful eating patterns--inspired by evidence-based approaches found in specific dietary patterns and foods--can satisfy hunger, improve general health markers and nourish aging brains.
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One thought at a time: Building resilience for a long, full life by Terry Eckmann, PhD
Explore resilience, cognitive reserve, and mindful and lifestyle practices that help build the capacity to recover from challenges. Resilience not only gets people through difficult times; it is also an important factor in successful aging. Building resilience can help individuals maintain a healthy brain and body to live independently and to enjoy a good quality of life throughout the lifespan. Professionals can guide constituents in nurturing this capacity, starting with the impact of thoughts and behaviors.
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Creative Exchange: Top ideas for wellness programming
Among the joys of attending a professional conference is the opportunity to meet industry peers in person. On the conference agenda, formal in-session discussions and facilitated brainstorming provide avenues to develop knowledge and exchange ideas. At ICAA's Conference, participants each brought two ideas to create this group summary of approaches/strategies in a Creative Exchange on wellness programming.
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“Ageless aging”: How women can truly win the longevity lottery by Colin Milner
Although "women have won the longevity lottery, they face challenges to living better longer," says Maddy Dychtwald, a leading futurist, public speaker, and thought leader. Contributing to these challenges is women's underrepresentation. As a result, their unique needs, concerns, challenges and ambitions receive too little attention. Dychtwald shares perspectives and information to help women lead longer, better lives.
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Kevin Burke: Pioneering and promoting whole-person wellness by Julie King, MS
After 30+ years striving to enrich the lives of older adults in senior housing and senior living communities, Kevin Burke was eager to share his expertise as CEO of Paradise Valley Estates (PVE). Under Burke's leadership, the community provides supportive environments, lifestyles and care to foster quality living and help residents attain wellness goals. His achievements as CEO earned him an ICAA NuStep Pinnacle Award.
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Splendido at Rancho Vistoso: Embodying an ecosystem of wellness by Julie King, MS
Splendido at Rancho Vistoso strives to transform lives with an evolving holistic model and a wholehearted commitment to a personalized approach. The ICAA NuStep Pinnacle Award-winning life plan community combines enviable facilities and amenities, innovative wellness programming, and a campus-wide effort to support the individual, creating a beacon of wellness excellence for senior living.
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Reducing food waste makes sense for people, places and budgets by Sandy Todd Webster, MSFS
At The Culinary Institute of America last year, our cohort was assigned to record our food-related waste, compost and trash for a week. While it may not seem like much when you're cleaning up, the discards add up. While its implications for personal, organizational, community and planetary health often shock first-timers, food waste is a key target to expand (or begin) an environmental wellness initiative.
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Share your expertise at the ICAA Conference
At the ICAA Conference, you learn alongside others who engage with people so they can live their best possible lives. Speakers, side by side with attendees and exhibitors, generate ideas, information, questions, reflection and laughter. Have you wondered how you can share your knowledge and successes as a speaker? Discover how sessions and speakers are selected (and why you should consider sharing your skills).
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