ICAA Predicts Active-Aging Trends for 2008

The
International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) has determined that Baby Boomers
will continue to reshape the landscape of aging and has released its list of
“eight trends that will define active aging in 2008.” According to ICAA chief
executive officer Colin Milner, “active aging means staying involved in life,
and the Boomers are planning to do that. This age group is ready to take action
to stay healthy and actively engaged with their friends, families and
communities.” Here is the rundown of emerging trends that the ICAA predicts
will help Boomers stay active and healthy as they age:

• Internet
  technology is keeping Boomers connected to health information, travel options
  and social networking.
• More
  Boomers are looking into “age-qualified” housing in close proximity to cultural
  sites, entertainment areas and activity centers.
• Boomers
  are placing significant focus on “intellectual skills and brain health.”
• Console
  games such as the Nintendo Wii are helping increase activity levels and
  providing opportunities for Boomers to interact with children and
  grandchildren.
• Seventy
  percent of working adults aged 40 and above are planning to continue working
  part- or full-time into retirement years (2002; Staying Ahead of the Curve—AARP
  Work and Career Study).
• Learning
  opportunities are on the rise as boomers take interest in continuing education.
• Fear
  of disability or disease is keeping older adults interested in staying
  physically fit and healthy, requiring fitness facilities to become more
  age-friendly.
• Health
  care is shifting some of its focus from treatment to prevention.

For more information visit
www.icaa.cc.