Aging well, maintaining vitality and mobility for the elderly

Introduction

The Feldenkrais Method offers a unique and effective approach to supporting the well-being and quality of life for the elderly and seniors. The method enables individuals to maintain and improve their physical abilities, promote cognitive health, and foster emotional well-being. In this article, we will explore the various benefits of the Feldenkrais Method for aging well and enhancing the lives of the elderly and seniors, emphasizing aspects such as self-reliance, autonomy, and efficiency in basic functions.

What can the Feldenkrais Method offer ?

A. Maintaining and Improving Mobility

The Feldenkrais Method helps seniors and the elderly maintain and improve their mobility through gentle, guided movements that increase body awareness and promote more efficient movement patterns. This can lead to better balance, coordination, and flexibility, making daily activities such as walking, sitting, getting up, turning, and bending easier and more enjoyable.

B. Encouraging Self-Reliance and Autonomy

The Feldenkrais Method empowers seniors and the elderly by helping them develop greater self-reliance and autonomy. By learning to move more efficiently and comfortably, individuals can maintain their ability to perform daily tasks and participate in the activities they enjoy, promoting a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence in their abilities.

C. Fostering Brain Flexibility and Cognitive Function

The Feldenkrais Method supports brain flexibility and cognitive function by stimulating the sensory motor system. This can result in improved focus, concentration, problem-solving skills, and overall cognitive functioning, which are essential for maintaining independence and quality of life in later years.

D. Learning New Habits and Promoting Awareness

By encouraging exploration and self-discovery, the Feldenkrais Method helps seniors and the elderly learn new habits and develop a greater sense of awareness. This increased awareness can contribute to improved emotional health and resilience, as well as more efficient and comfortable movement.

E. Distributing Effort and Coordination Effectively

The Feldenkrais Method teaches seniors and the elderly to distribute effort and coordinate movements more effectively, rather than relying solely on force and strengthening. This improved efficiency can contribute to better overall technique and prevent injuries, promoting long-term well-being.

F. Reducing Pain and Discomfort

By teaching more efficient and comfortable ways of moving, the Feldenkrais Method can help seniors and the elderly reduce pain and discomfort often associated with aging. Improved movement patterns can alleviate joint and muscle strain, contributing to a more comfortable and pain-free life.

G. Enhancing Social Connection

By participating in Feldenkrais classes or individual sessions, seniors and the elderly can connect with others who share similar interests and goals. This social interaction can help combat loneliness and isolation, contributing to a greater sense of belonging and overall well-being.

H. Improving Efficiency and Ease in Basic Functions

The Feldenkrais Method helps seniors and the elderly improve their efficiency and ease in performing basic functions, such as walking, sitting, getting up, turning, and bending. By focusing on more efficient movement patterns, individuals can experience increased comfort and enjoyment in their daily lives.

Some key take-aways

The Feldenkrais Method provides a powerful and effective approach for aging well and enhancing the quality of life for the elderly and seniors. By maintaining and improving mobility, encouraging self-reliance and autonomy, fostering brain flexibility and cognitive function, learning new habits and promoting awareness, distributing effort and coordination effectively, reducing pain and discomfort, enhancing social connection, and improving efficiency and ease in basic functions, the Feldenkrais Method can make a significant difference in the lives of seniors and the elderly, allowing them to age gracefully and enjoy their golden years to the fullest.

Interesting resources

Enhancing Cognitive Function in Independent Older Adults

Feldenkrais sessions improved cognitive performance, particularly in tasks requiring mental flexibility and processing speed, highlighting its potential to offset age-related cognitive decline (Ullmann & Williams, 2016).



Addressing Cognitive Decline Through Movement Awareness

Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement (ATM) lessons improved self-reported cognitive challenges and enhanced executive function in elderly participants (Ullmann, 2016). Read the study here



Adaptation for Post-Stroke Rehabilitation

The Feldenkrais Method was successfully adapted for stroke rehabilitation in older adults, emphasizing flexibility and sensory feedback for better motor and psychological recovery (Jackson-Wyatt, 1995).



Balance and Mobility

The method improves balance, mobility, and coordination, particularly in aging populations and individuals with neurodegenerative diseases (Hillier & Worley, 2015). Read the study here



Balance-focused Classes

Balance-focused classes emphasize motor skill acquisition and postural control (Connors et al., 2010). Read the study here



Getting Grounded Gracefully: Effectiveness and Acceptability of Feldenkrais in Improving Balance

Research demonstrated the effectiveness of Feldenkrais in improving balance, particularly in older adults. Read the study on PubMed



Systematic Review on Feldenkrais for Balance

A systematic review of Feldenkrais for improving balance, particularly in older adults. Read the review here