Kathy Smith to become ICAA spokesperson, advisor

Smith will work with association to promote healthy, active living for adults ages 50-plus

(March 8, 2011, VANCOUVER, BC)— Millions of older adults see themselves as contributing to society’s success, while others struggle with negative expectations of aging. To draw attention to the opportunities for leading full, active lives at any age, fitness expert Kathy Smith joins the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) team as a spokesperson for the soon-to-be launched Rebranding Aging initiative. ICAA is a professional association that leads, connects and defines the active-aging industry. By serving on the ICAA Advisory Board as well, Smith will bring her insight and experience in motivating and educating individuals to live well to the ICAA community.

Smith’s vision has always included being a catalyst for lifestyle change in people. Since becoming involved in the fitness industry in 1980, she has provided education, programming and products to help individuals achieve better health. Smith has also aged in front of her millions of followers worldwide, offering a real-life example of the benefits of living an active life. Her involvement with ICAA will offer both a new platform for inspiring change and a vehicle that taps into her passion for the older-adult market. Currently, she also serves on the board of the University of Southern California’s Davis School of Gerontology.

Smith will support ICAA’s Rebranding Aging initiative as a media spokesperson and as Master Champion of the ICAA Rebranding Aging team. In the latter role, she will inspire a team of volunteer champions who will visit schools, health fairs and other locations to offer positive examples of active aging. In addition, Smith will promote active aging as a spokesperson for Active Aging Week, an annual health promotion event spearheaded by ICAA in late September. During Active Aging Week, host sites across North America offer free wellness activities in a fun atmosphere to encourage adults over 50 to become active. Smith will take part in several ICAA events during the weeklong campaign to inspire others to participate.

“I’ll be 60 this year,” says Smith, “so the timing for my new partnership with ICAA couldn’t be better. The concept of active aging is a major focus for me now, both personally and professionally. It’s my personal mission to inspire the best in others—from weight loss and nutrition to healthy living. And in this new era of my career and my life, I’m more passionate than ever about helping people experience life to the fullest,” she continues. “Whether you’re 50, 60, or over 80, now is the perfect time to get active—whether it’s strength training, bowling or bungee jumping. As far as I’m concerned, age is a state of mind.”

ICAA enthusiastically welcomes Smith’s involvement. “Kathy is a perfect example of what’s possible when you lead an active, healthy life,” states Colin Milner, founder and CEO. “As an early Boomer, she is also part of the generational shift taking place in many countries worldwide. With Kathy as a spokesperson for two key active-aging initiatives, we look forward to gaining more attention from media outlets for these important efforts, as well as to tapping into the inspiration she offers millions of people worldwide to live actively and fully at any age.” Milner adds that ICAA is excited to tie in with Smith’s other partners, including Acacia and Pivotal 5, to create greater awareness for active aging.

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About Kathy Smith
Website: www.kathysmith.com
Photo Credit: AcaciaLifestyle.com

For more than 30 years, Kathy Smith has stood at the forefront of the fitness industry, with a collection of bestselling books and DVDs on exercise, nutrition, health and wellness. Her contributions to various media outlets highlight her mission to inspire the best in others, with appearances including The Today Show, Larry King Live, Oprah, and many more. From weight loss programs to methods for reaching peak performance in everyday life, Smith continues to release new lifestyle programs,including Ageless with Kathy Smith: Staying Strong, a new workout DVD with Acacia; Rejuvenation, a line of DVDs and equipment designed to renew and restore the body. A member of the Video Hall of Fame, Smith also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from IDEA, the world’s largest organization of fitness professionals.

About the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA)

ICAA, an association that leads, connects and defines the active-aging industry, supports professionals who develop wellness facilities, programs and services for adults over 50. The association is focused on active aging—an approach to aging that helps older adults live as fully as possible within all dimensions of wellness—and provides its members with education, information, resources and tools. As an active-aging educator and advocate, ICAA has advised numerous organizations and governmental bodies, including the US Administration on Aging, the National Institute on Aging (one of the US National Institutes of Health), the US Department of Health and Human Services, Canada’s Special Senate Committee on Aging, and the British Columbia ministries of Health, and Healthy Living and Sport.

For interviews or more information about ICAA or aging-related issues, contact:

Colin Milner, CEO, International Council on Active Aging
Toll-free: 1-866-335-9777 (North America only)
Telephone: 604-734-4466; cell: 604-763-4595
Email: colinmilner@icaa.cc

For interviews or more information about Kathy Smith or aging-related issues, contact:

Matt McConkey, Kathy Smith Lifestyles
Email: matt@kathysmith.com