Just because you are over the age of 60 does not automatically mean that walking should be difficult.
by Deanna Melnychuk —
Baby boomers have been leading the way for years. Only now they are called senior citizens. The encouraging news is that boomers can still lead the way to better health, vitality and well-being, because there is no age limit for feeling good.
These days many of you are enjoying more leisure time, visits with grandchildren or volunteering for charitable causes. However, these activities may require that you proactively take charge of your health in ways you may not have done before.
Just because you are over the age of 60 does not automatically mean that walking should be difficult, that your shoulders are going to be stooped and your head thrust forward. Nor does it mean that breathing will be shallow or that just getting out of bed brings aches and pains, and that activities need to be curtailed or eliminated.
If any of these things are happening to you, do not say, “I am getting older.” Instead, seek out a Rolfer™ who will work with you to bring back your vitality, flexibility and coordination. Erase the words “tried” and “tired” from your vocabulary and your retirement years.
Some years ago, an 85-year old woman inquired, “Am I too old to go through the 10 sessions of Rolfing?” The answer is unequivocally, no! Structural Integration, commonly called Rolfing, is named after its founder, Dr. Ida P. Rolf, and enables a person’s physical structure to lengthen as the myofascial system is stretched. The results are increased flexibility, mobility and range of motion.
Rolfing can be done at any age. The only difference in working with seniors is that the Rolfer will take an extensive medical/personal history so that no potential weaknesses, which may have affected the senior’s physical structure through the years, are overlooked.
The factors that a senior might wish to consider when choosing a Rolfer are: (1) Does he have a sensitive and firm, yet gentle touch? (2) Does she really listen? (3) Does he work at a pace that supports the senior’s physical and emotional body? These are things a client will find out during an initial consultation. Some Rolfers will provide this consultation at no charge or for a nominal fee.
Do not be satisfied living the life of a complaining couch potato. Find a Rolfer in your area and see what Rolfing can do for you.
Deanna Melnychuk, B.Sc., is a certified advanced Rolfer and Rolfing movement practitioner, licensed massage therapist, Reiki master, cranioSacral therapist and reflexologist. 602-404-8685 or www.rolfingcentre.com.
Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 30, Number 1, Feb/Mar 2011.
February 24, 2012
Healing, Health, Natural therapies, Rolfing