Life is an adventure full of trials and triumphs and it continually presents us with experiences that are doorways to a new direction. When my mother became very ill about 9 years ago with a degenerative condition, it opened to me the worlds of assisted living and later, extended care.   

I came in contact with the elderly in various stages of health and vitality. What I found in almost everyone was a desire for the best quality of life available to them whatever their particular complaints or concerns. No one readily accepted discomfort and disability if they believed there was a chance for better health, less pain and greater mobility.

My mother was an example. Despite being in a wheel chair and unable to speak, she still enjoyed having a simple 15 minute facial with a neck massage. I would add a hand massage and foot reflexology and she was in heaven and slept well that night. All of these activities took no more than 45 minutes yet it was life changing. 

I began to offer the healing touch to others in the centers where she lived.  I was amazed at how many cricks and stiff necks, aching shoulders, crippled hands and sore feet could find relief and ease with just a few minutes of acupressure massage and reflexology. Muscles and nerve pathways can respond to the healing touch of bodywork even in the elderly, and even if the ‘crick’ or stiffness has been there for months or even years. Relief is immense, gratitude even greater.

My mother also participated in fitness classes. Raising her arms as high as possible with the encouragement of her instructor was an achievement. It is amazing how much improvement in strength and mobility can be achieved by a ‘sit and get fit’ class! Even more valuable, perhaps, was the act of participation, the ability to make decisions, the recognition of individuality and the expression of the spirit and personality within. . 

Since moving to Sandpoint 3 years ago I have been seeking a way to incorporate my desire to work with the elderly along with my relaxation and wellness business . I have found the way.  I now spend several hours a week at Luther Park at Sandpoint, the new Assisted Living/Extended Care/Memory Care Center on Olive Ave, connected to First Lutheran Church. As their Activities Coordinator, one of the activities I coordinate is mini massages. As you can imagine, they are very popular and I have residents as old as 95 receiving neck massages and finding relief from debilitating stiffness and ‘cricked’ necks.  We also enjoy several movement classes a week to strength and loosen or to build strength. Some are ‘sit and get fit’ style while others involve more music and even dancing. I have residents from 75-95 participating and finding mobility, flexibility, backaches disappearing, knitting fingers remaining supple, frozen necks easing and spirits soaring along side of improved physical well-being.

If you are elderly or have a loved one who is elderly I hope you will seek massage or reflexology and movement for relief and renewal from aches and pains and the depressed spirit they often produce.

It’s not too late. It’s not necessary to ‘live with it’ simply because you’ve had the pain for years. We are ready, willing and waiting to help you.

Penny Waters is the owner of Your Relaxation Destination  and a member of the Sandpoint Wellness Council. She can be reached at 208 597 4343 and at www.CurefortheCommonSpa.com.

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