Active Aging Week Promotes Wellness, Healthy Lifestyles for Seniors
Fri, 09/23/2011 - 01:18pm | By: Ryan Kelly
As the “baby boomer” population in the nation is nearing retirement age, the need for a focus on aging-related issues has never been more important.
The International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) is celebrating “Active Aging Week” from Sept. 25-Oct. 1 with a variety of activities to promote active, healthy lifestyles for adults over the age of 50. Host sites for the week invite older adults in their local communities to experience free wellness activities and exercise in a safe, friendly and fun atmosphere.
The Center on Aging at The University of Southern Mississippi encourages all faculty, staff, and community members to engage and participate in Active Aging Week. Activities may include those with an organized group in the community, or may take place individually in order to encourage a healthy lifestyle.
In senior centers and retirement communities, parks and health clubs, nature preserves and dance halls, Active Aging Week hosts provide many opportunities to choose an active life. Available activities include:
- Healthy lifestyle presentations for diabetes, arthritis, depression and other conditions
- Nutrition and lifestyles presentations
- Brain fitness and healthy mental outlooks
- Health and fitness assessments
- Group exercise
- Games and challenges
- Strolls and walks
- Free food, prizes, coupons, pedometers and t-shirts
Active Aging Week events are planned locally, allowing organizers at each host site to decide what they wish to do. ICAA's guidelines are simple. Active Aging Week events are delivered in a fun, no-pressure atmosphere, educational, and free to participants.
For more information on the Center on Aging at Southern Miss, contact the College of Health at 601.266.5103 or healthFREEMississippi.