Sound therapy just the tonic for local seniors - plus more
SENIORS WRAP
Local senior Russell Hibbs knows about the importance and benefits of offering your skills and services to the community. By providing free weekly ‘Sound Therapy’ sessions he hopes to help improve people’s lives.
Mr Hibbs recently approached the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre to offer his services as a volunteer with this new group activity. The first session was held last week and participants loved it.
The feedback was really positive and a PDNC Community Development Worker said she felt “refreshed and energised for the rest of the day”.
“Come with no expectation and allow the sound to wash through over and around you, it is as simple as that,” Mr Hibbs explained.
“A safe space is provided for relaxation, close your eyes and simply let go. The sounds will find where there is a need of balance.
“Sound therapy can do wonders to help seniors, and people from all ages, to lower their stress levels, increase relaxation, and stimulate brain activity.
“It can also improve sleep patterns, lower your blood pressure, anxiety, amnesia and dementia.”
Drawn by the nature
Originally from Byron Bay, Mr Hibbs has been visiting the Far North for over 30 years
“Nature and culture have been a draw card. I enjoy the vivid backdrop of rainforest and reef in this region. I developed friendships with the elders during the Laura Dance Festivals and toured as a musician with the Kuranda band Mantaka.
Volunteer work has often been a part of my ethos. I worked for several years at the neighbourhood centres in the Byron shire.
“I would highly recommend volunteer work, I feel it is of benefit to be in service to our kindred species and to the greater web of life. It can boost the immunity, help the community, alleviate the lonely and offer tea and company.”
Mr Hibbs will be offering a free experience via the PD Neighbourhood Centre on the first of each month (people can call Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre on 4099 5518 to reserve a spot) at the PD Community Hall.
MEANTIME IN OTHER SENIOR NEWS…
Fresh air, flowers and birds at Kubirri Aged Care Centre
Residents at Kubirri Aged Care Centre have been making the most of the autumnal weather changes with their Lifestyle Coordinator Maria taking them on walks. Residents Myra and Eileen (pictured) recently enjoyed the lack of rain too – a nice change for Far North Queensland!
The walking group happens regularly, when the weather permits, with a rotating schedule for residents so that everyone who likes to join in can enjoy a trip out. Wheelchair-bound residents are also taken as well to ensure they don’t miss out.
When asked what they most enjoy about the walking group, Myra noted she enjoys the fresh air and looking at the flowers and the birds. She also states that walking not only helps keep her legs moving, “but also makes her happy.”
Eileen also enjoys being active and says that walking to town regularly makes her feel that she achieves her goals of keeping fit and looking after her health.
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