In this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, Carol Bilek joins us to discuss Chi Walking - a practice that combines walking with the principles of Tai Chi. Carol is a certified Chi Walking instructor and shares her journey of discovering Chi Walking after dealing with injuries and mobility challenges.

She explains how Chi Walking differs from traditional walking, focusing on engaging the core, aligning the body, and moving in harmony with nature's forces like gravity. Carol highlights the numerous mental and physical health benefits of Chi Walking, including improved balance, endurance, breathing, mood, and injury prevention.

Throughout the interview, Carol provides insightful tips for getting started with Chi Walking, such as:

• Focusing on body alignment and engaging the core
• Adjusting to a natural, shorter stride
• Allowing gravity to pull you forward rather than pushing with the legs
• Starting on flat terrain and gradually progressing
• Incorporating a metronome to increase walking cadence

She also shares inspirational stories of students who overcame mobility fears and knee issues through Chi Walking. Whether you're an avid walker looking to improve technique or seeking a low-impact exercise for overall wellness, this conversation offers valuable guidance on embracing the mindful movement of Chi Walking.

At the end, Carol invites listeners to connect with her for private lessons, group workshops, or more information on getting started. Carol and Cheryl also go for a Chi Walk.

Resources:

Chi Walking and Carol:

https://chiliving.com/instructor/wholewomanpacarolverizon-net/

https://www.friendslifecare.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Carol-Bilek-Chi-Walking-Flyer.pdf https://hellowestchesterpa.com/2024/01/30/walk-this-way-retired-west-chester-educator-wants-to-keep-you-moving/

https://youtu.be/UhDWUdu7K3o

wholewomanpacarol@verizon.net

Office: 610-431-3266

Mobile: 610-724-7218

Friends Life Care:

https://www.friendslifecare.org/

https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/

https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/

https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/

© 2024 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, we’re joined by Emily Gavin, a dementia care expert, occupational therapist, and caregiver coach to discuss:

• The significance of occupational therapy in dementia care.
• Practical strategies for caregivers to handle common challenges like repetitive questioning and resistance to care.
• Tailored advice for caregivers to manage their stress and self-care.
• Building and utilizing a support network to alleviate caregiver burden.
• Emily’s personal journey and success stories in dementia caregiving.

Emily has dedicated her career to improving dementia care through her practice, program development, and training for dementia professionals. Emily now leads Philly Care Coaching, where she equips family caregivers with the essential knowledge and skills to ease their caregiving journey and enhance relationships with their loved ones.

Resources:

PhillyCare Coaching and Emily Gavin: Website: https://phillycarecoaching.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093197558689

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-s-gavin-ms-otr-l-94966454/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phillycarecoaching/

Mentioned by Emily: Teepa Snow: https://www.youtube.com/@teepasnowvideos

Skills2Care®: https://www.dementiacollaborative.com/pages/skills2care-certification

Promoting Participation: Engaging Individuals Living with Dementia in Meaningful Activities: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CY439ZCQ

Friends Life Care:

Website: https://www.friendslifecare.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/

© 2024 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

#honestlyaging #friendslifecare #soloagers #soloaging #aging #olderadults #dementiacare #occupationaltherapy #caregiversupport #dementiaawareness #emilygavin #phillycarecoaching #healthandwellbeing

“The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining,” John F. Kennedy.

Preparing for late-life care can be daunting and filled with topics no one particularly wants to talk about. Ellen Donovan, founder of One Life Consulting, has spent her career having these conversations with older adults and their loved ones.

On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, Ellen offers guidance on planning for late-life care, dealing with crises when planning hasn’t occurred, and resources for solo agers.

We also cover care costs and the importance of self-care for those in caregiver roles.

Resources:

One Life Consulting:

https://www.onelifeadvocates.com/

https://www.facebook.com/OneLifeAdvocates/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-donovan-rn-bsn-rac-ct-697656202/

https://twitter.com/Ellen_OneLife

Friends Life Care:

https://www.friendslifecare.org/

https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/

https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/

https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/

© 2024 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

#honestlyaging #friendslifecare #soloagers #soloaging #aging #olderadults #LateLifeCare #FamilyConversations #CaregiverSupport #FinancialPlanning #OneLifeConsulting #PodcastDiscussion #CrisisManagement #RNSeniorCareConsultant #FamilyDynamics #CostofCare #Author #Advocacy