Thank you to all our listeners and guests for a stellar first season of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®.

In our closing episode, we’re joined by Jay Hilliard, Friends Life Care Plan Counselor, to get his take on some topics covered throughout the season. Jay also discusses his experiences as an unpaid caregiver, a Friends Life Care member, and consulting with solo agers about Friends Life Care membership.

Jay has been with Friends Life Care for 20 years. Before joining Friends Life Care, he was a long-term care insurance broker for five years. Previously, he worked in sales in the textile industry and for the United States Chamber of Commerce. Jay coaches ice hockey and helps run hockey clinics for goalies. He has two sons with his wife, Sandra, from Glasgow, Scotland. Jay is also a Friends Life Care member.

Resources:

https://www.friendslifecare.org/about-us/plan-counselors/jay-hilliard/

(C) 2024 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

#honestlyaging #friendslifecare #soloagers #soloaging #aging #olderadults #caregiving #longtermcare #thankyou #seasonone #podcastepisode #caregivingjourney #agingwell #lifecareplanning #hockeycoach #caregiversupport #agingcommunity #podcastlisteners #familycaregivers #healthadvocate #selfcare #advocate #mentalhealth #holistichealth #podcastinterview #podcastcommunity #healthandwellness

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