Senior's Cane Is Best Self-Defense

Tigers Way, a martial arts school, teaches people to use a traditional walking cane for self-defense and self-protection.

Using a cane isn't a disability, according to the Tigers Way Martial Arts School of St. Petersburg. It's an advantage.  Tigers Way specializes in teaching self-defense for use in real-world situations, including a cane, if attacked. Locally, Wabujitsu provides cane defense classes in Sarasota. The cane can offer the victim a two-foot extension to his or her reach, said Tony Billota, lead instructor at Tigers Way. The cane may be especially handy for a senior. A caregiver may realize a loved one is afraid to go out alone. Grand Master Mark Shuey developed the Cane Master system, after he observed seniors and their use of canes, according to an ABC News report on 20/20. Shuey's dad would not use a cane due to the stigma associated with using…

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Don't Call It Exercise; It's Too Much Fun

Gardening, chair-exercises, and balloon volleyball are a few of the exercise options available for seniors.

The New Year is a time when many people start thinking about getting fit and exercising and it’s no different for seniors. As seniors age, remaining active becomes increasingly important. Senior living communities and caregivers should consider looking beyond traditional physical therapy options to keep seniors engaged and active.              Seniors are most receptive to physical therapy when caregivers and their therapists develop individualized plans that fit both their lifestyle and interests. Research shows that it is difficult to motivate seniors to begin to exercise if it hasn’t previously been a priority. Integrating modified, low-impact activities, like yoga, into seniors’ exercise plans increases the likelihood that they will …

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Support Share: The Caregiver's Perspective

Caregivers Are Heroes, But Not Superhuman

Taking breaks and attending to their own needs can help these dedicated men and women stay at their most effective.

Caregivers are heroes — they care for our community’s most vulnerable. They care for our youngest and eldest generations, provide care and support to the sick and dying, and assist those with substance abuse or mental health disorders and developmental or physical disabilities. These are the family members, friends, professionals, paraprofessionals and volunteers there for us during the most difficult and trying times of our lives. Although caregivers are heroes, they are not superheroes. They are prone to sickness, depression, sleep deprivation and neglecting other physical, emotional and spiritual needs for themselves. They give of themselves but too often forget to give back to themselves to stay physically and mentally healthy. Self …

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Daphne Taylor Street

11:31 am on Thursday, September 1, 2011

Thanks very much, William! I look forward to the opportunity --Daphne   more ›

Age No Problem For Senior Game Athletes

Some of the events of the Gulf Coast Senior Games require physical strength and endurance, while others depend on the mental alertness of the participants.

Thomas Mazzone cautiously finessed the large red ball as close to the smaller white pallina as he could during a bocce game Friday, not wanting to nudge any of his opponent's within scoring position. Mazzone, 83, was one of 30 participants in the Gulf Coast Senior Games bocce tournament Friday at the John H. Marble Park courts on 53rd Avenue East.  “I really like the camaraderie,” he said  “The group I play with are fantastic – competitive, but friendly.” Friday was the fourth day of the Gulf Coast Senior Games, which brings athletes over the age of 50 from around the state to Manatee and Sarasota counties to compete in six days of sporting events. The Games, organized jointly through the park and recreation departments of the two counties…

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