AARP to Promote ICAA's Active Aging Week to its Members

The International Council on Active Aging (ICAA), the world's largest trade association for the senior fitness and wellness industry, and AARP, the largest nongovernmental organization representing mid-life and older Americans, are joining forces to encourage active aging. As the official promotional partner for ICAA's fourth annual "Active Aging Week", AARP will promote healthier lifestyles to its more than 35 million members during the last week of September 2006.

Active Aging Week will allow us to introduce our members to numerous exercise and physical activity opportunities provided by participating organizations across the United States.

VANCOUVER, BC (PRWEB) September 12, 2006 -- The International Council on Active Aging (ICAA), the world's largest trade association for the senior fitness and wellness industry, and AARP, the largest nongovernmental organization representing mid-life and older Americans, are joining forces to encourage active aging. As the official promotional partner for ICAA's fourth annual "Active Aging Week", AARP will promote healthier lifestyles to its more than 35 million members during the last week of September 2006.

The weeklong initiative sponsored by ICAA culminates on October 1, 2006, the International Day of Older Persons.

Although many older adults consider staying healthy, active and engaged in life a top priority, vast numbers have yet to make lifestyle changes that will protect their health, independence and quality of life. "Active Aging Week" heightens awareness of the many ways in which a physically active lifestyle and healthy eating can contribute to this goal. The initiative also emphasizes that, regardless of age, individuals can live as fully as possible in all six dimensions of wellness (emotional, vocational, physical, spiritual, intellectual, social).

"At AARP, we are committed to promoting healthy living for adults ages 50 and older through programs, education and resources," says Margaret Hawkins, Manager, Health Promotion, at AARP. "Active Aging Week will allow us to introduce our members to numerous exercise and physical activity opportunities provided by participating organizations across the United States."

"When we first launched Active Aging Week in 2003, we envisioned an annual event that would support millions of Baby Boomers and older adults across North America in adopting healthier lifestyles," says Colin Milner, ICAA's Chief Executive Officer. "AARP's involvement in this year's campaign means that 35 million Americans will learn about the many free offerings available to them during the last week of September." He adds, "By taking a class or going to a health fair, these individuals could make a start or gain momentum towards improving their health and well-being."

"Active Aging Week" events will be scheduled by seniors' organizations, retirement communities, senior centers, health clubs, parks, recreation centers and apartment/condominium complexes that are age-restricted. Host organizations may provide a single activity or multiple events during the week. For more information, please visit the "Active Aging Week" website at www.icaa.cc/aaw.htm.

About Active Aging Week
Website: www.icaa.cc/aaw.htm
Active Aging Week is an annual event held the last week of September (culminating on October 1, International Day of Older Persons). The week was initiated by the International Council on Active Aging to give as many older adults as possible the means to experience activities and exercise in a safe, friendly and fun atmosphere. During the week, host organizations provide a variety of free activities, such as classes, educational seminars, access to fitness facilities, health fairs, community walks or tennis matches.

About AARP
Website: www.aarp.org
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. The organization produces AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, a monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, a bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn, a quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; and the AARP website. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

About the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA)
Website: www.icaa.cc

The ICAA is the world's largest membership association dedicated to changing the way we age by uniting and working with professionals in the retirement, assisted living, recreation, fitness, rehabilitation and wellness fields. We connect a community of like-minded professionals who share the goals of changing society's perceptions of aging and improving the quality of life for Baby Boomers and older adults within the six dimensions of wellness (emotional, vocational, physical, spiritual, intellectual, social).

Media contacts:
Colin Milner, CEO, International Council on Active Aging
Toll-free: 1-866-335-9777 (in North America)
Telephone: 604-734-4466; cell: 604-763-4595; fax: 604-708-4464
website: www.icaa.cc

Steve Hahn, AARP
Toll-free: 1-888-OUR-AARP (687-2277)
Telephone: 202-434-2592
website: www.aarp.org

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