A Record Breaking Idea

Written by Colin Milner, Chief Executive Officer of the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA)

Are you looking for fun ways to connect with your older audience? Try this.

Each year host organizations deliver a multitude of events and activities to celebrate Active Aging Week. They spread positive messages of aging, energizing their communities with experiences that fit their populations and foster well-being and growth. In 2014, spread the message they did.

The theme for Active Aging Week 2014, “Let the adventure begin,” proved to be a kick-starter. From biplane rides to culinary adventures, the weeklong observance afforded opportunities aplenty for older adults to explore life’s possibilities. Participants reaped the benefits with fun, educational wellness experiences that fostered quality of life. One example proved to be a record-breaking success.

At Westminster Village in West Lafayette, Indiana, USA, Active Aging Week 2014 had an adventurous goal: set a Guinness World Record for the number of people participating in a chair exercise class. Individuals gathered at the community’s main entrance on September 22nd for the 40-minute class. As requested, they brought cans of food to use as weights during the class and to donate afterwards to the local food bank. More than 760 lbs. of food were collected at the event. In the end, the Westminster Village group numbered 481 people—smashing the existing record (384) by almost 100 people! Class participants ranged in age from 3 to 98 years, with residents, family members, friends and community members uniting to break the record, says Health and Wellness Service Director Jordan Morrow. “It was truly a team effort to pull off this amazing feat,” Morrow emphasizes. Each participant received a free T-shirt, as well as an official certificate from Guinness World Records.

Westminister Village: Guiness World Record Worlds Largest Chair Exercise Class Guinness World Records recognized Westminster Village in West Lafayette, Indiana, USA, for the most people doing chair-based exercise. Image courtesy of Westminster Village.

Active Aging Week is September 27- October 3, 2015. The theme this year is “Live Your Adventure.” Click here for resources on how you can get involved!

No matter whether big or small, creating ideas can provide you with an opportunity to connect with your audience. So, what unique things have you done to build a bond with your members?