International Council on Active Aging

12/25/2024

Women in assisted living create a calendar celebrating their bodies

Some women at the Jack Satter House, an assisted living facility in Revere, are out to prove you’re never too old to try something new.

12/23/2024

Stay informed with the latest from the Journal on Active Aging. This issue features a range of insightful articles:

- "Splendido at Rancho Vistoso: Embodying an ecosystem of wellness"
- "Reducing food waste benefits people, places, and budgets"
- Kevin Burke: Leading the way in whole-person wellness promotion
- Exploring "ageless aging": Empowering women in the longevity journey
- Creative Exchange: Exciting wellness programming ideas

For more details and to delve into these topics, visit the Journal at the International Council on Active Aging's website: https://www.icaa.cc/store_detail.php?id=11086

12/20/2024

Jane Fonda breathes new life into her aerobics legacy with Meta Quest’s VR fitness campaign. The campaign seamlessly blends nostalgic 1980s vibes with cutting-edge immersive technology. Supernatural emerges as the epitome of cardio's future, offering retro-inspired apparel and VR workout sessions guided by Fonda herself.

Jane Fonda

Fitness icon Jane Fonda revolutionized cardio in the 80’s! Now she’s back, this time in VR, to put an end to boring cardio for good. Only on Meta Quest.

12/19/2024

At The Lodge at Eagle Ridge, a GenCare Lifestyle Senior Living community in Renton, WA, Active Aging Week brought a fun twist to staying healthy. Participants hopped on "The Blender Smoothie Bike" to whip up their own nutritious smoothies. This interactive activity not only promoted wellness but also fostered bonds between residents and staff. It was a delightful blend of teamwork and enjoyment, showcasing the joy of reaping the rewards of a little effort.

https://www.activeagingweek.com/awards_detail.php?id=280

12/11/2024

New research suggests that engaging in regular strength training can significantly reduce biological aging. A study concluded that lifting weights three times a week may help reduce a person's biological age by about eight years. The study analyzed the impact of weight training on aging in nearly 5,000 men and women between the ages of 20 to 69, specifically examining the effects of weight training on the body and the length of telomeres.

https://www.jpost.com/science/science-around-the-world/article-832949

The research team observed the correlation between strength training and biological age in 4,800 participants.

12/06/2024

Longevity Biotechnology: AI, Biomarkers, Geroscience & Applications for Healthy Aging

“The integration of artificial intelligence (AI), biomarkers, aging biology, and longevity medicine is revolutionizing efforts to extend human healthspan and lifespan.”

A recent research paper, featured on the cover of Aging (indexed by MEDLINE/PubMed as "Aging (Albany NY)" and "Aging-US" by Web of Science), Volume 16, Issue 20, is titled “Longevity Biotechnology: Bridging AI, Biomarkers, Geroscience, and Clinical Applications for Healthy Longevity.”

This publication highlights cutting-edge developments in healthspan biotechnology, as discussed at the 2023 Aging Research and Drug Discovery Meeting (ARDD). Key topics include advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), biomarkers, aging clocks, geroscience, and clinical trials aimed at promoting healthier, longer lives. The paper explores how these innovations are transforming both research and industry approaches to aging, with a focus on targeting aging itself to prevent multiple age-related diseases and extend the healthy years of life.

Read more here https://www.icaa.cc/industrynews/2024-11/Longevity-biotechnology-AI-biomarkers-geroscience-.htm

12/05/2024

On Tuesday, November 19, Richard Carmona, 17th US Surgeon General (moderator), Dr. Mike Studer, Marc Middleton, Sue Paul, and Belinda Degboe, MHA led a compelling General Session discussion on "The New 65+: Aging Reinvented Through Science, Knowledge, and Innovation."

The 2024 ICAA Conference and Expo session highlighted how advancements in science and knowledge have redefined aging, transforming it from a narrative of decline and invisibility to one of opportunity, growth, and visibility. Over the past 30 years, research has reshaped our understanding of aging, emphasizing capacity, identity, and functionality. The panelists explored how these breakthroughs are reshaping the aging experience, empowering older adults to live better and thrive longer.

Discussions focused on the practical implications of this new understanding for organizations, communities, and individuals. The panel addressed how innovations influence policy, program design, and service delivery, emphasizing the need to prepare for and adapt to future shifts. Strategies were shared for optimizing health across the lifespan, ensuring that older adults can maintain functionality and well-being in the years to come.

Attendees left the session equipped with insights into these exciting developments and actionable strategies to enhance their organizations, support their communities, and embrace a proactive approach to aging.

This is just one of the many sessions delivered at the ICAA event in Raleigh.

To learn more about the 2025 ICAA Conference and Expo, occurring October 13-15, in Anaheim, CA, visit https://icaaconference.icaa.cc/index.php

A special thank you to our sponsor Matrix Fitness USA

12/04/2024

Webinar: Transforming obesity treatment: Elevating nutrition and person-centered care.
Presenter: Carley Rusch, Patricia Nece.
Date: Tuesday, December 10, 2024.
Time: 9:00 AM PDT, 11:00 AM CST, 12:00 PM EST
Length: 60 minutes.
To register, https://www.icaa.cc/conferenceandevents/webinars.htm

This webinar will focus on the multifaceted approach to managing obesity in older adults by recognizing obesity as a chronic disease and emphasizing the unique nutritional needs of older adults. This webinar will also explore strategies to combat weight bias, aiming to improve patient-provider relationships and foster an inclusive environment for obesity management. These strategies are crucial for creating a supportive and effective care plan for older adults dealing with obesity.

Learning objectives

--Recognize obesity as a chronic disease with a focus on nutritional considerations relevant to older adults.
--Discuss nutrition interventions for older adults across the continuum of obesity care including special considerations for sarcopenic obesity.
--Implement strategies to address weight bias, enhance patient-provider relationships, and promote inclusive obesity management.

Presenter biography

Carley Rusch, PhD, RDN, LDN; Medical Science Liaison, Abbott Nutrition. Carley serves as a Medical Science Liaison in Medical Affairs & Research at Abbott specializing in Adult Therapeutic Nutrition.

Patricia Nece, J.D., is a passionate advocate for patient access to science-based obesity treatments and the eradication of weight-based bias, stigma, and discrimination. She is the immediate Past Chair of the Obesity Action Coalition and currently chairs OAC's Weight Bias Committee.

Free Continuing Education Credit: 1.0 RN / 1.0 RD CPEU

12/02/2024

Calling all wellness leaders!
Are you an expert in wellness, healthy aging, environmental wellness, or innovative programming?

The ICAA Conference and Expo 2025 is your opportunity to:

-Share your expertise
-Inspire industry leaders
-Make a meaningful impact in active aging

When: October 13–15, 2025
Where: Anaheim, CA

We’re now accepting speaker applications! Fun fact: 100% of ICAA speakers in 2024 rated the conference as "Excellent" or "Very Good."

Don’t miss this chance to showcase your insights and connect with a passionate community of professionals.

Apply today:
https://icaaconference.icaa.cc/call_for_presentation.php

Let’s shape the future of active aging—together!

11/28/2024

Class of 2024: ICAA Conference and Expo.
What an incredible experience! The 2024 ICAA Conference and Expo brought together professionals from all sectors to connect, learn, and share innovative strategies for aging well. Here’s just one comment that perfectly captures the essence of the event:

"Attending the ICAA Conference was an incredibly rewarding experience! The event brought together a diverse group of professionals. What I truly appreciated was the emphasis on practical strategies that are both inspiring and energizing. The sessions were informative and engaging, covering a wide range of topics—from fitness and wellness to social engagement and mental health. The event was well-organized, and the atmosphere was welcoming and supportive. Overall, the ICAA Conference is an essential event for anyone working in the field of aging and wellness. I left with new knowledge, fresh ideas, and a renewed commitment to creating a better, more active future for older adults."

Carrie Johnson
Regional Vice President,
Americare Senior Living

Throughout this week, we’ll be sharing more quotes and highlights from attendees about their experiences. As you plan your 2025 schedule, make sure to include ICAA Conference and Expo 2025 in Anaheim, California, October 13–15.

It’s the premier event to:
Gain new knowledge
Build valuable connections
Discover products and services focused on improving the health and well-being of older adults

Whether you are part of a senior living community, fitness club, YMCA, medical wellness center, resort, parks and recreation department, city program, or any organization serving older adults, this is the place to be!

Learn more at https://icaaconference.icaa.cc/

We look forward to seeing you there!

Matrix Fitness USA Aegis Therapies

11/27/2024

Reflecting on an Incredible Week at the ICAA Conference & Expo 2024.
Last week in Raleigh was truly exceptional, and I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to everyone who made it such a memorable experience:

--Attendees: Thank you for expanding your networks, sharing insights, and inspiring us all to think differently about aging well.
--Speakers: Your thought-provoking sessions challenged us to reimagine the future of aging and embrace the opportunities ahead.
--Volunteers & ICAA Team: Your dedication and hard work created an unforgettable event that has garnered an incredible response.
--Sponsors & Exhibitors: Thank you for showcasing innovative solutions and supporting the evolution of our industry toward a wellness-centered model.
--Venue & Show Management: Your contributions enhanced the experience and ensured the event's success.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing highlights from the conference, so stay tuned!

Mark your calendars: Join us for the 2025 ICAA Conference & Expo in Anaheim, CA, from October 13–15. We can’t wait to see you there! https://lnkd.in/dG7s7ZE

To everyone who participated this year—thank you for making it an event to remember.

The 2024 event was sponsored by Matrix Fitness USA
Aegis Therapies

11/26/2024

ICAA and NuStep announce North America’s top senior living communities and visionary leaders with “Best in Wellness” award.

Categories include:
Top 5 wellness focused senior living communities
Top 25 wellness focused senior living communities
Top 5 wellness executives in senior living, North America
Top 5 wellness directors in senior living, North America

Congratulation to all the award winner. A special thanks to the judges for their tireless effort.

To learn more about the awards process and winners visit https://beaconaward.icaa.cc/award_2024.php

NuStep, LLC

11/19/2024

We look forward to Alexis Ashworth's session at the ICAA Conference and Expo this week in Raleigh. If you are interested in learning more visit https://icaaconference.icaa.cc/sessions_20241120.php

11/17/2024

There is currently no cure for Parkinson's Disease. But some with Parkinson's are finding that an unusual therapy – rock climbing – is helping them improve their balance, mobility, strength and cognition. "60 Minutes" correspondent Lesley Stahl reports.

Watch this inspiring video

There is currently no cure for Parkinson's Disease. But some with Parkinson's are finding that an unusual therapy – rock climbing – is helping them improve their balance, mobility, strength and cognition. "60 Minutes" correspondent Lesley Stahl reports.

11/12/2024

Did you know that voice assistants curb feelings of loneliness among older adults? Researchers at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), Spain conducted a review of the risks and potential of using systems such as Alexa or Google Home to reduce feelings of loneliness among older people.

Read about their finding at https://www.icaa.cc/industrynews/2024-11/LISTEN-UP-Voice-assistants-curb-feelings-of-loneliness-among-older-adults-.htm

11/11/2024

Think back: in 1994, older adults were seen as a burden, with warnings of a looming healthcare crisis. Now, in 2024, we see this population differently — as vital contributors to our economy, caregivers, volunteers, and pillars of society. What changed? One word: Knowledge.

The difference between a successful approach and an outdated one is understanding the needs, preferences, shifting expectations, and strengths of an evolving older population. That’s what the ICAA Conference & Expo provides: the insights, foresight, and practical knowledge needed to build better environments, create inclusive policies, and design wellness programs and marketing that resonate.

I invite you to bring your team, your visionaries, and your decision-makers to the ICAA Conference & Expo, November 19–21 in Raleigh, NC, and gain the knowledge to excel today and stay ahead tomorrow.

Learn more about the new knowledge and expertise you’ll gain at https://icaaconference.icaa.cc/

There’s still time to register. See you there!

Thank you to our sponsors Matrix Fitness USA and Aegis Therapies

11/09/2024

Evidence shows super-agers perform better on word recall tests compared to their peers, and it also suggests their brains atrophy, or shrink, at a slower rate. Scientists used MRI scans and discovered the regions of the brain considered important to memory, attention, cognitive control, and motivation appeared thicker in super-agers than in others in the same age group.

Read more at https://www.icaa.cc/industrynews/2024-11/Super-Agers-What-are-their-secrets-to-long-lasting-memory-stamina.htm