From the Editors
What's the secret to healthy aging?
According to long-time Feldenkrais® trainer David Zemach-Bersin, the answer is "Movement!"
Yet for many people, movement becomes increasingly restricted with age, and the more that one adopts a sedentary lifestyle, the more that both joint function and cognitive function tend to decline. Such a situation becomes a negative cycle because as movement begins to feel more precarious, many older adults become increasingly hesitant to risk injury, instead spending even more time sitting, leading to further losses of strength and coordination.
The Feldenkrais Method of somatic education has proven to be an effective practice for helping older adults to maintain healthy function and even expand movement capacity. In particular, it can help improve balance, flexibility, attention, posture and vision.
This month's edition of SenseAbility magazine includes an interview with Feldenkrais trainer David Zemach-Bersin who has been involved with the method for five decades. He discusses how the practice of Awareness Through Movement® practice, by giving the experience that change is possible, can give older students a powerful dose of optimism that influences all aspects of their lives. Feldenkrais practitioner Lavinia Plonka writes about aspects of the experience of aging that simply can't be understood by younger adults and how the Feldenkrais Method's unique approach makes it possible for people of all ages to learn at the pace that fits their unique needs. Helen Carr, a long time Feldenkrais enthusiast, shares her experience of taking Awareness Through Movement classes in her 70s, 80s and 90s!
We hope you enjoy this finely aged edition of SenseAbility!
Jane, Joe and Seth
