Thrive with Movement, at the Senior Center
Weston Today photos
A new program at the Weston Senior Center provides education and exercise training for those with balance issues, mobility challenges, Parkinson’s disease, or other neurological conditions.
“Thrive with Movement” runs every Monday (with exceptions like holidays) at 1:00 in a room specifically outfitted for the purpose, thanks to donations by the family of a former Weston resident.
The one-hour sessions are conducted by Dr. Sachin Gianchandani, a Stamford-based Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in Parkinson’s and other movement disorders. Classes blend education and exercise to support strength, stability, and confidence.
Dr. Gianchandani
Parkinson’s is a progressive movement disorder. In its early stages it may manifest as barely noticeable tremors, but over a period of years it becomes increasingly debilitating.
Dr. Gianchandani says the progression of Parkinson’s coupled with a lack of awareness means many who suffer from the disease may miss opportunities to slow the worsening of its effects.
“The sad reality,” he said, “is that even after decades of research we still don’t have a complete cure for Parkinson’s. But we have enough research to delay the progression and have a good quality of life.”
Boxing
Boxing is one element of Dr. Gianchandani’s Thrive with Movement program at the senior center, along with light weight training, and movement, balance, and mobility drills.
The National Institutes of Health cite evidence strongly suggesting that exercise may slow the progression of Parkinson’s. The NIH notes that boxing has particular advantages over other forms of exercise because it involves several physical actions that improve several types of physical movement.
“Now the problem,” says Dr. Gianchandani, “is that it’s not accessible to everyone because not every physical therapist, every physician, or anybody can do it.” His practice at RGG Health in Stamford is the first affiliate in the region with Rock Steady Boxing, a nonprofit with an exercise curriculum focused on Parkinson’s.
A gift
Left: James and Evelyn Thomas. Right: Mr. Thomas with daughters Elizabeth and Kathi. Contributed.
According to Richard Wolf, chair of the Friends of the Weston Senior Activities Center, about three years ago a member of the family of James Thomas came to the senior center with an offer to fund a significant program for Weston seniors.
The Thomas family, James, Evelyn, and daughters Elizabeth and Kathi lived in Weston from 1958 to 1986 on Stonehenge Road. According to the family member, James and Evelyn had many friends and neighbors who enjoyed their pool and landscaped yard. Every Christmas, Mr. Thomas bought a live tree, which was planted in the yard in spring, adding to the already lush landscape.
Mr. Thomas commuted to Manhattan for his job with Mobile Oil, but retired early when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. The family eventually moved to Florida, where Mr. and Ms. Thomas were cared for by their daughter Kathi.
Thrive with Movement runs in Weston due to the generosity of the family in honor of Mr. Thomas. Their donations also fund most of the equipment in the newly outfitted classroom at the senior center.
Quality of life
Dr. Gianchandani says because Parkinson’s is a progressive condition, it means the moment it is diagnosed, you know it is progressing.
But if those with Parkinson’s actively participate in the program, he says, “they would not fall, they would be moving better. Their quality of life would be better, whether it’s playing with young children or anything else.”
“I have people who are like 45 and 50 years old that have Parkinson’s, and their goals are all at different levels. But whether they are in the 30s or their 40s or in their 90s, this will help them delay the progression and have better quality of life for many more years to come, versus not doing it at all.”
