The work I do with the elderly extends from exercise classes designed specifically for them, to one to one Therapy visits either in clinic, in their homes or perhaps in a Nursing Home. Many elderly are well and healthy and are capable of gentle exercise. These classes are always accompanied by fun and laughter as the participants laugh at themselves and sometimes awe themselves with how much they are actually capable of. Depending on the age and fitness level of the participants the classes combine gentle muscle toning work, flexibility and joint mobility exercises. I have worked with many Active Retirement groups whose ages usually range from the 60's to the 90's. While the exercise is an important part of the class more often than not it is the giggles and the wonderful sense of achievement felt by the participants at the end of the class that is the most important part. Work is always rewarded by a wonderful relaxation session at the end of each class, this is always very popular with everyone and again most people are in awe at the silence and the sense of peace that can be created among what are usually a loud and chatty bunch.
Working with those who are ill is hugely rewarding, of course it can bring with it sadness as sometimes there is loss but I can only hope that my work brings a little bit of peace to those who are close to the end of their life here on Earth. I feel that I get as much from those that are ill as they get from me. It humbles me to see the positivity, the strength, the smiles. It empowers me to do the same, to live life, to see the good things in life, to smile! Depending on how ill a person is, the Therapies I provide to those who are ill are Massage, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Gentle Acupressure and Energy Healing. These Therapies may not cure the illness but they certainly help to bring about an inner healing. They serve to bring a sense of peace to those who have them preformed on them. Working closely with someone who is ill has taught me to never take things for granted, to be appreciative of my life and my health. I feel privileged as these people allow me into their lives and trust me like a friend. In these people I find a friend. Sometimes that friend must leave us and that is the sad part of this work but I can at least have the comfort of knowing my life has been enriched greatly upon having met that person.
This Blogpost is dedicated to Margaret, 1941-2011
A friend I will never forget
xx Niamh
