The department of senior services will host a series of activities aimed at decreasing stress in people who are at least 55 years old.
“Try one activity that sparks your interest or try them all to see what resonates for you,” said Molly Rose, director of senior services. “Some of these opportunities are ones that you can continue on your own and use to decrease stress whenever needed.”
The activities begin with a 1.2- mile nature walk at 9 a.m. Nov. 1 at Parker Farm with Ellie Chase. The walk is the only activity not held at the senior center, 6 West St.
The walk will be followed by a “Laughter is Medicine” presentation at 10:30 p.m. from Blue Cross & Blue Shield Rhode Island. According to the insurance company, laughter increases the oxygen in the body, which helps lead to muscle relaxation and reduces the physical symptoms of anxiety. There also will be 15-minute chair massages from licensed therapist Angela Paraskevakos from noon to 3 p.m. followed by breathing exercises at 4 p.m. led by Claudia Rowland.
The following day, Nov. 2, seniors will have the opportunity to make their own Zen garden at 9 a.m. followed by a meditative sound bath at 10:45 a.m. with Allison Schuman. Also scheduled is an introduction to Reiki at 1 p.m. with John LaCross. Reiki is a Japanese system of touching with the hands based on the belief that this touching produces beneficial effects by strengthening and normalizing certain vital energy fields held to exist within the body. That will be followed by ear acupuncture at 2:15 p.m. with Gail Roy and Kelly Doyle. The series ends with more breathing exercises at 4 p.m.
The activities are free aside from the chair massage ($15), the ear acupuncture ($10) and the Reiki presentation ($15). Reservations are required for all activities by calling Rose at 401-423-9804.
