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Senior Times - February 2026 Page 13PROMOTING HEALTH INDEPENDENCE CHOICEFamily Enrichment CenterRegional Resource 3 TeamRobyn Watson, EDKinship Care ProgramEmail: rwatson@fecfamily.comPh: (269) 234- 5434www.Fecfamily.comKinship KornerKinship Care: Seniors Stepping Up for the Next GenerationHealth and wellness take on new meaning for older adults who find themselves in foster, adoptive, or kinship caregiving roles. While the joys of caring for children can be deeply rewarding, the physical and emotional demands can also be significant.Traditional approaches to health %u2013 regular medical care, nutritious meals, physical activity, and adequate rest %u2013 provide an essential foundation. Many caregivers are also discovering the benefits of complementary and alternative therapies that support overall well-being. Gentle movement such as chair yoga or stretching, mindfulness and meditation, massage, acupuncture, and creative outlets like art or gardening can help reduce stress, manage chronic pain, and promote emotional balance.For kinship caregivers in particular, parenting again later in life often requires extra support. Blending trusted medical care with accessible alternative wellness practices can help caregivers stay healthy and resilient.If you are a foster, adoptive, or kinship caregiver seeking connection, resources, or support, our Kinship & Family Support Program offers education, peer connection, and family-focused activities designed to support caregivers at every stage.FamilyEnrichmentCenternot selfish %u2013 they are necessary. Simple practices such as getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals, and staying hydrated can make a meaningful difference. Regular physical activity, even gentle movement like walking or stretching, supports mobility and mood. Inviting friends and relatives to spend time with a care recipient can allow time for the caregiver to engage in these activities and provide socialization for the care recipient. Emotional self-care is also a vital component to overall wellness. Caregiving can be isolating, so maintaining social connections is especially important. Talking with friends and joining support groups can reduce feelings of loneliness and provide reassurance. Seeing a therapist or speaking with a health care professional about stress or anxiety can be a beneficial part of a support network. Participating in activities that provide enjoyment and mental stimulation are rejuvenating. Reading, listening to music, engaging in a favorite pastime, or practicing mindfulness can help caregivers relax and recharge. Scheduling short breaks throughout the day %u2013 even a few minutes of Self-Care is Vital to Quality and Longevity in CaregivingBy: Colleen Acker, Community Living Programs Manager, CareWell Services SouthwestCaregivers are the driving force that enrich the lives of those they care for. Unfortunately, those driven to care, often run out of fuel. Caregivers juggle multiple responsibilities, including managing medical needs, assisting with daily activities, and providing emotional support. While the focus naturally centers on the person receiving care, the well-being of the caregiver is just as important. Statistics show that 70% of family caregivers over 70 pass away before their care recipients. This startling fact spotlights the importance of self-care and its importance to providing quality care. Many senior caregivers are also dealing with a chronic condition while caring for a spouse or loved one. This can increase the risk of physical exhaustion, emotional stress, and burnout. Putting aside personal needs may lead to fatigue, depression, weakened immunity, and health complications. Practicing self-care helps prevent these pitfalls and allows caregivers to remain present and effective.Self-care begins with acknowledging limits. Caregivers often believe they are being selfish when taking time for themselves, but rest and regeneration are quiet %u2013 can restore focus and calm.Being informed about resources and knowing how to ask for help are powerful tools that all caregivers can access. Reach out to your local Area Agency on Aging, Alzheimer%u2019s organization, or senior center to inquire about services, support groups, and events that can empower. Caregiving is a meaningful and sometimes difficult journey. While the call to care for another is honorable, it should not come at the cost of one%u2019s own health. By making self-care a priority, the caregiver not only invests in their own well-being but that of those who depend on them. CareWell Services is offering the Powerful Tools for Caregivers Workshop, beginning February 11. This workshop series will run for six weeks on Wednesdays from 10-11:30am. If you are interested please call (269) 966-2450 before February 4. For more information visit our website at carewellservices.org.Other support for caregivers:%u2022 Caregiver Circle 2nd and 4th Thursdays at Kool Center%u2022 Caregiver Resource Room open M-F 2-4pm%u2022 Trualta while rhythmic foot tapping or leg movements can enhance circulation and lower-body engagement. For seniors, maintaining joint mobility and muscle tone is essential for independence and fall prevention, and cardio drumming offers a lowimpact way to work on both.Cognitively, the rhythmic patterns and responding to musical cues stimulates the brain, supporting memory, focus, and reaction time. This kind of mindbody coordination encourages neuroplasticity and helps keep cognitive skills sharp. Music itself has been shown to activate multiple areas of the brain, making the experience both engaging and mentally enriching.Cardio drumming also has strong emotional and social benefits, fostering connection, laughter, and a sense of belonging %u2013 key factors The Benefits of Cardio Drumming for SeniorsBy: Jen Rice, Manager, Heritage Commons Senior Enrichment Center, MarshallCardio drumming is an increasingly popular activity and for good reason. Combining rhythmic movement, music, and aerobic exercise, cardio drumming offers a fun, accessible way for older adults to support both physical and mental well-being.At its core, cardio drumming involves using drumsticks to strike an exercise ball or drum in time with music. Movements can be adapted for seated or standing positions, making the activity inclusive for seniors with varying mobility levels, allowing participants to engage safely and receive meaningful health benefits.Physically, cardio drumming supports cardiovascular health by gently elevating the heart rate. Repetitive arm movements help improve upper-body strength, coordination, and range of motion, in reducing social isolation, which is a significant concern among seniors. The shared rhythm creates a feeling of unity, while the upbeat nature of the activity can reduce stress, elevate mood, and increase overall enjoyment of movement. Many participants report feeling energized and uplifted after class.Perhaps most importantly, cardio drumming reframes exercise as play. For seniors who may feel intimidated by traditional fitness programs, drumming feels approachable and joyful rather than clinical or demanding. There is no need for perfection; participation and enjoyment are the goals. It is a reminder that movement can be creative, expressive, and fun at any age %u2013 and that wellness is strongest when it is shared.Join us Tuesdays at 3pm, Wednesdays at 1pm, and Fridays at 3pm.