International Council on Active Aging

09/05/2025

Eating breakfast later has been linked to increased mortality, according to a recent study by Mass General Brigham researchers. The study revealed various findings, including this significant association.

How and when we eat as we get older changes, but what impact this has on our health isn't well understood. New research, however, has found that in midlife and beyond, eating one particular meal later in the day is linked with a higher risk of early death.

09/02/2025

Decisions that shape longevity!

A recent discussion left me reflecting on the connection between our daily choices and our lifespan. I was speaking to Dr. Richard Carmona, MD, MPH, FACS, chief of health innovations at Canyon Ranch, 17th Surgeon General of the United States, and Distinguished Laureate Professor at the University of Arizona. Dr. Carmona reminded me that humans are biologically capable of living to 122 years old. Guinness World Records lists the world’s verified oldest person as Jeanne Calment, who was born in France in 1875 and died there in 1997, aged 122 years, 164 days. Yet, despite this potential for extreme long life, average life expectancy in the United States hovers around 78.3 years, according to research that The Lancet published in 2024 from the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.

So why are those potential extra decades missing? And why do so many people spend their final years, on average 12.5 of them, in poor health, as a JAMA Network Open article showed last year?

Read more in the recent ICAA blog at https://www.icaa.cc/blog/2025-09/Decisions-that-shape-longevity.htm

08/25/2025

A new report from the Gerontological Society of America provides guidance for healthcare providers on strategies to improve communication, build trust, and support better health outcomes. Although aimed at clinicians, it can be helpful for any provider working with older adults.

Read more at https://www.icaa.cc/industrynews/2025-08/SAY-WHAT-YOU-MEAN-New-guide-for-communicating-with-older-adults-released.htm

08/13/2025

Struggling with insomnia? Consider these natural remedies for better sleep:

**Yoga**: Enhances overall restfulness

**Jogging**: Eases insomnia symptoms

**Tai chi**: Significantly improves total sleep time and efficiency

A recent analysis comparing treatments highlighted the effectiveness of exercise-based approaches like tai chi in enhancing sleep quality. While cognitive behavioral therapy remains a solid option, incorporating activities like yoga and jogging can make a notable difference in managing insomnia.

Read more at
https://www.icaa.cc/industrynews/2025-08/SLEEP-ON-IT-Tai-chi-yoga-jogging-best-for-beating-insomnia.htm

07/31/2025

Reduce your mortality risk by 30–40%!!!
Adopting a physically active lifestyle at any stage of adulthood significantly lowers the risk of dying from any cause, especially from cardiovascular disease. A sweeping analysis of 85 studies confirmed that those who stay active consistently reduce their mortality risk by 30–40%, while even those who become active later in life enjoy a 20–25% reduction.

https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2025/07/02/bjsports-2024-109122-0

07/30/2025

Become a judge for the ICAA NuStep Best in Wellness Awards!

The International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) is seeking experienced professionals in the field of wellness to serve as judges for the prestigious ICAA NuStep Best in Wellness Awards. Judges will evaluate entries in three key categories:

Wellness Director
Wellness Executive
Senior Living Community

If you have a strong background in wellness and a passion for recognizing excellence in senior living, we invite you to be part of the judging process.

To be considered, please message me on Facebook with a one-paragraph summary of why you would be an ideal judge for this year’s awards.

All judging will take place in August, with final decisions made by the end of the month.

To view the awards program visit https://beaconaward.icaa.cc/
NuStep, LLC

07/28/2025

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,

07/23/2025

[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

07/21/2025

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

07/17/2025

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

07/16/2025

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

07/15/2025

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