Stein/Alzheimer's Group

PETER FODERA - 5Rhythms Teacher, NYC

 

In May of 2010, I began working with a newly launched Alzheimer's program at the Stein Senior Center. The Day Care program is on Friday afternoons from 2:00-3:30 PM and is primarily for early stage Alzheimer's participants. There are usually 5-8 participants and 3-4 caregivers.

 

A social group, they love to laugh and are very supportive of each other. They range in age from 69-96 and for the most part are mobile. They love to partner and a few of them need assistance to get up from their chairs. A few use walkers but are able to participate without them. Usually we move in chairs for at least one part of the class depending how they are feeling. We imagine the chair as an extension of our spine, a third leg or tail, and this allows them to feel secure and grounded. We usually start with body parts in a seated position, and very often, by the time we reach lyrical and stillness, they need to sit again.

 

Humbled by their presence and by the fact that they are literally losing their minds, yet surrendering to the dance, just blows me away. They have made the observation that the more expansive they are, the easier it is to stay present. The more contracted they are in their fear, the more difficulty they have functioning. Out of the mouth of babes.

 

Stein Senior Center Alzheimer's Group
Fridays 2:00-3:30 / 2nd floor / on going group
Stein Senior Center
340 E 24th Street, NYC 10010
212-585-6051

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