International Council on Active Aging

28/07/2025

Submit your entry today! Application process closes July 31.

The ICAA NuStep "Best in Wellness Awards" celebrate excellence in wellness-centered senior living and honor the communities and leaders who are going creating vibrant, purpose-driven lifestyles for older adults. From innovative programs and supportive environments to inspired leadership and culture change, the Best in Wellness Awards shine a spotlight on those who are truly redefining what it means to age well.

If your organization is committed to empowering older adults to live with meaning, vitality, and independence—this is your moment. Gain national recognition, inspire others, and join a distinguished group of changemakers setting a new standard for wellness in aging.

The deadline is fast approaching, apply today and take your place among the best in wellness.

Award categories:

Senior living communities
Showcasing communities where wellness is more than just a program, it’s a way of life, shaping environments that prioritize overall quality of life.

Wellness director
Recognizing individuals whose innovative leadership and dedication inspire transformative wellness experiences within their communities.

Wellness executive
Celebrating visionaries who place wellness at the heart of their organizations, fostering enduring and meaningful opportunities for both residents and staff.

Enter now at https://beaconaward.icaa.cc/application.php

NuStep, LLC,

23/07/2025

[STRAIGHT TALK] Benefits of “pro-aging” paradigm for fitness/wellness pros.

The fitness and wellness industry has a responsibility “to stop selling shame disguised as inspiration,” writes Sabrena Jo, PhD, senior director of science and research at the American Council on Exercise, in a new article for ACE fitness professionals. Anti-aging language may be profitable, but it is ultimately harmful—perpetuating ageism, undermining motivation and diverting attention from the real foundations of health, according to Jo.

Read more at https://www.icaa.cc/industrynews/2025-07/STRAIGHT-TALK-Benefits-of-pro-aging-paradigm-for-fitnesswellness-pros.htm

21/07/2025

EXCITING NEWS! LeadingAge partners with ICAA for Active Aging Week 2025.

The International Council on Active Aging® (ICAA) is pleased to announce a new partnership with LeadingAge, the Washington D.C.-based association representing over 5,400 nonprofit and mission-driven providers of aging services.

The two organizations will collaborate on Active Aging Week 2025 (Presented by Humana) to broaden the event’s reach across the United States and promote healthy, engaged aging in more communities.

Now in its 22nd year, Active Aging Week is a worldwide initiative that honors the spirit and contributions of older adults while encouraging active lifestyles and changing perceptions of aging. In 2024, over 5,000 organizations across 14 countries hosted more than 20,000 events, engaging over one million participants—a clear reflection of the movement’s expanding influence.

Tapping the enthusiasm of residents at its thousands of member organizations nationwide, LeadingAge will help drive even greater participation in 2025. “Active Aging Week is more than just a celebration; it’s a movement that redefines aging and showcases the vital role older adults play in our communities,” said Colin Milner, CEO and Founder of ICAA. “We’re thrilled to welcome LeadingAge as a partner. Their commitment to innovation and support for older adults, wherever they call home, aligns perfectly with our mission to promote wellness and purpose at every age.”

“We value the contributions of older adults and strive to expand possibilities for aging,” said Katie Smith Sloan, President and CEO of LeadingAge. “Active Aging Week reflects that mission by fostering connection, well-being, and joy in aging. We’re proud to stand with ICAA in championing older adults and helping to build inclusive, positive communities.”

Active Aging Week 2025, presented by Humana, will take place October 6 – October 12, with events hosted in a wide range of settings, from senior living communities and wellness centers to libraries, YMCAs, fitness clubs, and city parks. Activities may include health fairs, fitness classes, cultural events, intergenerational programs, and community service projects, each designed to bring people of all ages together in celebration of aging well.

Active Aging Week invites everyone to celebrate aging, embrace wellness, and recognize the vibrant contributions of older adults in our world.

Learn more about Active Aging Week at www.activeagingweek.com

LeadingAge International Council on Active Aging

17/07/2025

ICAA CEO invited by The Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi to take part in the 2nd Annual Social Care Forum. Under the theme “Future-Ready Social Care: People, Practice, and Policy ,” the forum will take place on 24–25 September at Hilton Yas Abu Dhabi

As the largest event of its kind in the Emirate, the forum will bring together leading experts, decision-makers, and local and international specialists in the social sector to explore key trends and developments in this vital field, aligning with the objectives of the Year of the Community 2025.

You can learn more about the event at https://www.addcd.gov.ae/Media-Center/News/DCD-Announces-Second-Edition-of-the-Social-Care-Forum

16/07/2025

Are you a napper? Research indicates that napping habits can predict mortality risk in middle-to-older adults. A recent study revealed interesting insights into nap timing:

- 34% of naps occur between 9 am and 11 am

- 10% of naps are taken between 11 am and 1 pm

- 14% of naps happen between 1 pm and 3 pm

- 19% of naps are taken between 3 pm and 5 pm

- 22% of naps occur between 5 pm and 7 pm

Moreover, the analysis suggests that longer naps, increased variability in nap duration during the day, and a higher proportion of naps around midday and early afternoon are linked to elevated mortality risks. Stay informed about how your napping habits could impact your health.

Read more at https://www.icaa.cc/industrynews/2025-07/WHEN-TO-ZZZ-Napping-predicts-mortality-risk-in-middle-to-older-adults.htm

15/07/2025

Healthy aging isn’t just about physical fitness - it’s about keeping your mind active, too. Let’s make brain health a priority this summer! The Humana Cognitive Games are happening July 14- Aug. 11 to help you stay mentally engaged and focused. These interactive games are designed to challenge your brain in fun, meaningful ways - and they’re easy to access from home.

Just like walking keeps your body strong, brain training can help keep your mind sharp. It’s never too late to start a cognitive fitness routine! Join us for the challenge at https://huma.na/ICAA.

International Council on Active Aging Humana

14/07/2025

Men: It’s Time to Bone Up on Your Knowledge

Think osteoporosis is just a women’s health issue? Think again. According to the National Spine Health Foundation, 2 million men have osteoporosis, and another 16 million have low bone mass—known as osteopenia.

While women are routinely screened with bone density tests, many men don’t even realize they’re at risk until they suffer a major fracture. A recent survey commissioned by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center during Men’s Health Awareness Month (June) reveals just how widespread this lack of awareness is.

“It’s a silent disease, and it’s silent until it makes some noise—and how it makes noise is with a fracture,”

— Paul Lewis, MD, Interventional Radiologist, Ohio State

It’s time to break the silence. Talk to your healthcare provider about your bone health—before a fracture does it for you.

Read more at https://www.icaa.cc/industrynews/2025-07/BREAKING-BAD-Only-1-of-men-are-concerned-about-bone-density.htm

08/07/2025

The series takes you on a journey to discover how people around the world care for their minds and bodies.

From daily rituals to cultural traditions, this series uncovers the many ways you can live well.

is streaming now.

Watch the series at: https://www.bbc.com/storyworks/specials/in-pursuit-of-wellness/?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Paid-Post&utm_campaign=In-Pursuit-Of-Wellness

Wellness is a journey that is rooted in the continual discovery and rediscovery of the self and the world around us. Find out more.

03/07/2025

DON'T MISS OUT! ICAA NuStep “Best in Wellness Awards” application process closes July 15, 2025.

The International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) and NuStep, LLC invite you to apply for the ICAA NuStep Best in Wellness Awards! These prestigious awards celebrate excellence in wellness within senior living, recognizing leaders and communities that create vibrant, engaging environments where older adults thrive.

Award Categories:

--Wellness Director Award – Honoring innovative leaders driving transformative wellness experiences.

--Wellness Executive Award – Recognizing visionaries integrating wellness at the heart of their organizations.

--Senior Living Community Award – Showcasing communities where wellness is a way of life.

Deadline to apply: July 15, 2025

Winners will be honored at the ICAA Conference & Expo on October 13, 2025, in Anaheim, CA.

Apply now: https://beaconaward.icaa.cc/

30/06/2025

Flipping the equation on its head. Researchers from NeuRA and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney have launched a new app aimed at boosting adult wellbeing and resilience. The mobile application, called ReNeuWell, shifts the focus from managing distress to actively promoting mental flourishing, offering a neuroscience-backed, personalized approach to mental health.

Read more at https://www.icaa.cc/industrynews/2025-06/FEEL-BETTER-NOW-New-well-being-app-promotes-mental-health-resilience.htm

27/06/2025

Join Gary Gunderson, Colin Milner, and Matthew Thompson, MBA, PCIII, CEC, CCA, GRAE as they discuss setting a new standard in senior living dining and hospitality.

Date and Time: July 9, 10:00am PT, 11:00am CT, Noon ET
To register, visit: https://www.icaa.cc/conferenceandevents/webinars.htm #2

Today's older adults are reshaping the perception of aging, demanding meals that are not just delicious and communal but also promote wellness for a better, longer life. Despite these evolving expectations, many senior living communities struggle to meet these needs.

To address this challenge, the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA), in collaboration with CrossCheck and Restaura, has developed the ICAA Culinary and Hospitality Standards of Excellence. This pioneering program establishes industry-specific benchmarks for culinary and hospitality excellence within senior living communities. It introduces a Michelin-inspired recognition system to showcase top-performing establishments, instilling a sense of pride. The program offers a structured pathway with clear benchmarks, practical tools, and third-party validation to drive continuous enhancement.

Join the webinar to discover how you can implement this program effectively and strive for national recognition through the prestigious ICAA Plate of Distinction.

25/06/2025

Nomination process now open! Be part of ICAA’s inaugural Culinary & Hospitality Think Tank.

We’re excited to announce the inaugural ICAA Culinary, Nutrition & Hospitality Think Tank, taking place October 11 in Anaheim, just prior to the ICAA Conference and Expo.

This is not your typical meeting. It’s an interactive, solutions-focused working session, designed to listen, share, and chart a new course for senior dining in the face of rising food costs, labor shortages, changing resident expectations, and ongoing supply chain disruptions.

Together, we will:
• Identify the most pressing issues in senior dining
• Explore innovations and evidence-based solutions
• Collaborate on pilot initiatives and content strategies
• Reimagine dining as a catalyst for wellness and business growth

Participation is limited to 50 individuals. Open to:

• CEOs, Presidents, and COOs
• Vice Presidents of Dining, Nutrition, or Hospitality Services
• National and Regional Directors of Culinary or Hospitality Services
• Directors of Dining Services
• Culinary Directors and Culinary Services Managers
• Executive Chefs, Chef de Cuisine, Lead Chefs, and Kitchen Managers
• Food Service Directors
• And other senior-level professionals who influence or lead culinary and hospitality in senior living.

We are currently accepting nominations. If you or someone you know would like to be considered, please submit a short paragraph outlining the value you or your nominee would bring to the discussion.

Please note: Nominations do not guarantee acceptance.

There is NO REGISTRATION FEE to participate, just bring your experience, insight, and brainpower.

Nomination deadline: August 1, 2025

Nominate yourself or a colleague today to help shape the future of dining in senior living, through the powerful lens of wellness.

NOMINATE A THOUGHT-LEADER NOW

https://www.icaa.cc/nomination_form.php

Are you an industry supplier?
To learn how you can be involved, email colinmilner@icaa.cc or call 866-335-9777.