In a recent issue of ASA Connection, readers answering our “Quick Question” about terms for people ages 65-plus overwhelmingly favored older adults, with elders running second. Now, thanks to a new survey from the Journalists Exchange on Aging, we have a chance to see how reporters and editors view the issue -- and it turns out that both terms also make it onto their preferred list. Paul Kleyman, national coordinator for the Journalists Exchange, answers our questions about the survey -- and about how professionals in aging can use the findings to enhance their own work. Read More >>

Much has been learned since the groundbreaking 1995 recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Sports Medicine that all adults should engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily. An expert panel has just released an update of the document -- and for the first time, recommendations for older adults are included. The new focus is timely: Statistics show that elders not only are the fastest-growing age group in America, but also are the least physically active. Read More >>

Are we ready to meet the needs of America’s increasingly aging -- and increasingly diverse -- population? How can organizations in the field of aging create culturally competent products, services and practices? These and others issues were addressed at AARP’s recent Diversity and Aging in the 21st Century Conference, which offered a fresh look at the wide range of diversity concerns for elders. Deborah Russell, AARP’s director of workforce issues and a member of ASA’s Board of Directors, discusses ASA’s participation in this groundbreaking national gathering. Read More >>

The two-volume Doorway Thoughts series offers an easy-to-read introduction to ways that healthcare professionals can improve care for older adults by recognizing the health-related beliefs and practices of diverse cultural groups. “‘Doorway thoughts’...are key concepts that the culturally aware health practitioner reflects upon before walking into any examination,” writes reviewer Moira Fordyce, who notes such thoughts “can influence healthcare encounters and relationships for good or ill.” Read More >>

ASA is partnering with an award-winning organization caring for elders in Jerusalem to offer a geriatric study tour of Israel, Jan. 8-10, 2008. “Topics addressed will include a historical survey of geriatric care in Israel and how different ethnic groups...care for their elders,” says ASA member Amy R. Eisenstein, one of the organizers of the trip. Participants will learn about the latest developments in aging-related services in Israel and will return to work with new perspectives and new ideas for their own professional practice. Read More >>