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BELONGING
BEGINS WITH US AT THE WEST COOK YMCA
THE Y, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME
The West Cook YMCA offers in-person, on-demand, and live-streaming programs that fit your needs and your schedule. All complimentary for members to help you reach your fitness goals, reduce your risk for chronic diseases, provide a safe and welcoming space for youth, and so much more.
TAKE A TOUR TODAY.
Stop in for a tour and we will show you all that the Y has to offer to meet your needs. Tour guides are available by reservation. Make your reservation today at westcookymca.org/tour.
JOIN ONLINE TODAY.
$0 Joiner Fee and 50% off your first month when you join online at westcookymca.org/join.
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Relaxation & healing in the heart of downtown
massage can mean so much more than relaxation. In addition to providing the mental and emotional benefits of relaxing, a skilled massage therapist can help the body heal and operate at its best. Among the potential benefits are improved circulation, decreased joint pain, and improved flexibility. This makes massage an important part of integrative medicine: as part of an overall health plan, it can make all the difference.
A massage can also mean more than manipulating the muscles. Different modalities offer different theories of care. Shiatsu, a method of bodywork first developed in Japan, utilizes acupressure, joint rotations, and stretches to heal the body, mind, and spirit.
Ronen Kohn, a graduate of the Zen Shiatsu Chicago school in Evanston, has worked with new mothers, clients living
with diabetes, and chronic pain sufferers to provide relief. In December of 2024, Ronen set up shop at 1011 Lake Street, Suite 304 in Oak Park, under the name Worthy Bodywork & Healing.
Ronen is now welcoming clients who are ready to take a new step in their self-care and healing journeys — and, of course, relaxation is always on the table.
Visit Worthy Bodywork & Healing’s website at worthybodywork.com to make a booking today! First time clients can use the code FIRSTTIME for a $25 discount.
“Ronen went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable. I’d absolutely recommend for anyone looking to get more connected in body and spirit!” — Katy C., satisfied client
Sponsored Content
New Year, New You: Celebrating Seniors Coalition—Rethink Aging, Rediscover Yourself
As the new year begins, it’s time to embrace a fresh perspective on what it means to grow older. The Celebrating Seniors Coalition invites you to join us in redefining aging as a time of growth, empowerment, and joy. Our mission is simple yet transformative: to shift the narrative about aging from limitation to opportunity. This year, let’s celebrate the incredible potential of life’s later chapters, specifically Older Americans and the family.
Rethink Aging: See the Possibilities
Aging is not about slowing down—it’s about becoming more of who you are. With age comes wisdom, resilience, and the freedom to explore passions that may have been on hold. The Celebrating Seniors Coalition is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to showcasing the vibrant lives of older adults and the unique contributions they make to our families, communities, and society at large. Together, we can challenge stereotypes and inspire others to see aging as a time of opportunity.
New Year, New You
This year, let’s embrace a New Year’s resolution that truly matters: thinking differently about aging. Whether you’re celebrating your own aging journey or supporting loved ones through theirs, the new year is a perfect time to embrace change and positivity. Here’s how you can participate:
• Celebrate Milestones: Each new year is a gift. Take time to honor the personal and collective achievements of older adults in your life.
• Pursue Passions: Aging is the perfect time to rediscover hobbies, learn new skills, or contribute to your community in meaningful ways.
• Build Connections: Combat isolation by fostering intergenerational relationships that enrich both young and old.
• Champion Advocacy: Support initiatives that promote the dignity, independence, and well-being of seniors everywhere.
Get Involved with the Celebrating Seniors Coalition
The Celebrating Seniors Coalition is here to help you and the community celebrate and thrive. Through events, programs, and resources, we’re creating a culture that values aging as a rich and meaningful phase of life. From workshops on healthy aging to storytelling campaigns that highlight inspiring older adults, we offer tools to help you or your loved ones embrace aging with confidence and pride.
Looking for inspiration? Explore the Celebrating Seniors Coalition’s website to get ideas on engaging in lifelong learning and ways to enhance well-being throughout the year. Join us this year during Celebrating Seniors Week May 8-15, 2025. Engaging with us will help keep you growing stronger as you grow older!
Let’s make 2025 the year we shatter outdated ideas about aging as we nurture our communities and discover new ways to thrive. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can show the world that aging isn’t the end of something—it’s the beginning of something extraordinary.
Join Us
Visit celebratingseniors.net today to learn more, get involved, and celebrate the beauty of aging. Follow us on social media for uplifting stories, practical tips, and community updates. Let’s make 2025 the year we all embrace a “New Year, New You” mindset about aging—and celebrate every step of the journey!
How YogaSix Oak Park Transformed Mark’s Life
“From taking my first yoga class around ten years ago up until this day, it’s been a huge shift into how my body feels along with how fully present I’ve become in everyday life. Before deepening my practice and getting into a good routine here at YogaSix Oak Park, I’ve always heard stories about the effect yoga has in regards to calming the mind and helping to improve the posture along with so many other countless benefits to the body when you start practicing on a consistent basis that I was curious about what kind of effect it would have one me. Like starting anything new, it takes time for changes to happen but I noticed after the first few weeks how good I feel throughout the day and the subtle changes in my posture that my friends and family started to take notice too. I remember a few years ago, they came up to me and said something has
changed in you for the better but just couldn’t pinpoint exactly what but I knew that it was the yoga practice that I had recently started. Since I got into a routine of taking classes a few times a week I noticed that I’m calm in what previously were stressful situations at work and how big of a difference my now aligned posture had on my confidence. These classes have also helped increase my strength and form a community in the yoga world. It’s been amazing seeing the changes in my overall well-being and recommend it to anyone who is interested in trying it out. It’s benefitted me so much that I even went through a yoga teacher training and now look forward to helping others get started on their journey.”
- Mark S., founding member of YogaSix Oak Park
Let 2025 Be A Fresh Start to Health, Wellness, and Self-Care in Retirement
The importance of maintaining mental, physical, and emotional well-being becomes even more critical as you age. Wellness and self-care are not just about avoiding illness, they are about enhancing the quality of life, fostering independence, and promoting a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Physical Wellness: Staying Active and Healthy
One of the cornerstones of aging well is maintaining physical health. Regular physical activity helps prevent many of the common health problems.
• Exercise: Look for activities that can improve circulation, strengthen muscles and reduce stress.
• Balance and Fall Prevention: Simple activities like standing on one foot or practicing tai chi can enhance stability and lower the chances of falls
• Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats is crucial for aging adults. Foods high in antioxidants—help fight inflammation and support brain health. Protein-rich foods help preserve muscle mass, and adequate hydration.
• Sleep: Sleep remains crucial for healing and rejuvenation. Create a regular sleep routine and avoid ca eine late in the day.
Mental Wellness: Maintaining Cognitive Health
Maintaining cognitive health is a priority. Try to engage in activities that stimulate your mind and participate in activities that foster social connections.
• Brain Exercise: Puzzles, reading, learning new skills, or even playing
memory-boosting games can help prevent cognitive decline.
• Social Interaction: Regular interactions with family, friends, or even participation in community groups can combat feelings of loneliness and depression.
Emotional and Spiritual Wellness: Finding Purpose and Fulfillment
Aging often involves transitions like retirement, the loss of loved ones, or changing family dynamics, which can sometimes lead to feelings of sadness or isolation.
• Self-Care Routines: Self-Care routines can include journaling, taking relaxing baths, pampering oneself with skincare routines, or simply taking time for quiet reflection
• Purpose and Hobbies: Many aging adults take up hobbies they didn’t have time for earlier in life, such as painting, gardening, knitting, or volunteering. Purpose can also come from spending time with family, friends or contributing to the community.
• Therapy and Support Groups: Support groups, whether for grief, caregiving, or health concerns, can provide a sense of understanding and comfort.
Self-Advocacy and Health Management
One of the key components of wellness for the aging population is self-advocacy. This means you take charge of your health and seek support when necessary.
• Regular Health Checkups: Keeping routine visits to the doctor for screenings, vaccinations, and regular health assessments.
• Managing Medications: Many seniors take medications for various health conditions, and managing these medications properly is vital for preventing side e ects or drug interactions.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Lastly, creating a living environment that supports wellness is crucial for aging adults. This includes ensuring that their home is safe, accessible, and conducive to health and happiness.
• Home Modifications: Installing grab bars in the bathroom, improved lighting, or removing trip hazards can reduce the risk of accidents.
• Technology for Health Monitoring: Health apps and wearable devices can help aging adults track their physical activity, monitor vital signs.