I held one of the most amazing workshops I have ever experienced thus far in my coaching career this past weekend in Redondo Beach, CA. Why do I say amazing? The energy, comradery, initiative, love and, spirituality that radiated from the dining hall of Casa de los Amigos, section 8 housing for seniors, was off the charts! My workshop, entitled, 'Be Good to Yourself Fitness and Wellness Workshop' was held to advise the seniors about the signs, symptoms and, tools on how to stave off early onset dementia along with the differences between dementia and the rampant disease, Alzheimer's. Since I like to make my workshops interactive, I integrated a low impact dance routine to the band, Journey's song, 'Be Good to Yourself'.
Watch as these seniors show their spice for life!: http://youtu.be/Dpus6T8dwKo
As the residents of 'the Casa' gingerly walked into the room one by one or in pairs, in wheelchairs and by the use of walkers, one would think a dance routine was not going to go over very well. But, I was determined to get this group moving through music and feeling the use of muscles they may have forgotten they had. I also took the opportunity to bring my own mother along whom we have had to place in an Alzheimer's facility two years ago. If anything can make her feel alive, it is music! My sister accompanied me to speak about dementia and Alzheimer's and the information was not only welcome but brought great relief to those who felt they were 'doomed' to a life of a degenerating mind and body.
As I saw the room filling up, I thought to myself, 'Hmmm, ten or fifteen people isn't bad', but it didn't stop there! We ended up having thirty plus seniors show up ready to soak up any information they possibly could and when they heard they were going to dance, cheers came from the audience and went straight to my heart! When it came time to teach the dance steps and I asked, "Who is ready to come up with me and learn?" The first person out of her walker was my own mother! Once she hit the floor, more followed with encouragement and enthusiasm. The seniors of this particular community had …"one of the best times…" they've had in years, verbatim! I couldn't have asked to be any more of service to one's so welcoming as I did at that moment and all of the attendants inspired me to not only come back but, re-embrace why I do what I do! Asked if they would mind having their picture taken to let people know that;
You can NEVER be too old to live a happy life no matter what our health issues may be.
I didn't get a resounding yes, I got the entire room filled with cheers, smiles, and gathered together to show off their energy and spice for life! I am so grateful to Casa de los Amigos, Jesse Harris, Resident Service Coordinator and, all the amazing residents who welcomed me and taught me how to age gracefully with pride and joy in my heart.
Watch as these seniors show their spice for life!: http://youtu.be/Dpus6T8dwKo
As the residents of 'the Casa' gingerly walked into the room one by one or in pairs, in wheelchairs and by the use of walkers, one would think a dance routine was not going to go over very well. But, I was determined to get this group moving through music and feeling the use of muscles they may have forgotten they had. I also took the opportunity to bring my own mother along whom we have had to place in an Alzheimer's facility two years ago. If anything can make her feel alive, it is music! My sister accompanied me to speak about dementia and Alzheimer's and the information was not only welcome but brought great relief to those who felt they were 'doomed' to a life of a degenerating mind and body.
As I saw the room filling up, I thought to myself, 'Hmmm, ten or fifteen people isn't bad', but it didn't stop there! We ended up having thirty plus seniors show up ready to soak up any information they possibly could and when they heard they were going to dance, cheers came from the audience and went straight to my heart! When it came time to teach the dance steps and I asked, "Who is ready to come up with me and learn?" The first person out of her walker was my own mother! Once she hit the floor, more followed with encouragement and enthusiasm. The seniors of this particular community had …"one of the best times…" they've had in years, verbatim! I couldn't have asked to be any more of service to one's so welcoming as I did at that moment and all of the attendants inspired me to not only come back but, re-embrace why I do what I do! Asked if they would mind having their picture taken to let people know that;
You can NEVER be too old to live a happy life no matter what our health issues may be.
I didn't get a resounding yes, I got the entire room filled with cheers, smiles, and gathered together to show off their energy and spice for life! I am so grateful to Casa de los Amigos, Jesse Harris, Resident Service Coordinator and, all the amazing residents who welcomed me and taught me how to age gracefully with pride and joy in my heart.