Catherine Pfau is a long-time member and model for OsteofitnessTM. Over the past year,
Catherine went through an ordeal, first caring for her husband during his illness and then recovering from his passing this past November. During this time, she made it a priority to keep up with the OsteofitnessTM class and received support from the members. Catherine showed incredible strength and resilience and offered to share her story of inspiration.
- While caregiving for your husband, you were able to maintain your fitness. How were you able to do this while being on-the-go?
Health and exercise have always been priorities for me, and they have been a real benefit during this time. It felt great to be present with the live class, surrounded by positive people doing something good for themselves. I made it a priority to attend class because being with others is a great mood booster, especially when we enjoy each other’s company and have some laughter. It is a bright spot in the day for me. The positive energy in the class and listening to music also made the difference in my attitude and exercising.
I tried to incorporate the exercises into my everyday life, such as doing heel lifts when having extra time waiting in line in the grocery store. I do knee lifts and the garden gate frequently. I also practice balance in the kitchen, such as standing on one leg when while waiting for the microwave. I perform stretches before bed; I will lie on the floor and do leg stretches.
I also do the Feldenkrais with my legs and arms, which Beverley taught me but is seldom taught in class. When I think of it, I will do a stretch in the doorway or decompress my spine by holding onto a rail or using a ball. I have all of the balls: large, medium and small. I
stretch over the large ball. With the little or medium ball, I do decompression or ball on wall. I keep a pole or umbrella visible for pole behind the back. Seeing it out reminds me I can practice bending at the hip. I try to work it in whenever I can and put reminders around to help me. Try to move as much you can!
What do you do for self-care?
For self-care, I get massages from Beverley. Her massages have helped me in two ways. First, she knows (sometimes even without asking) which muscles need work. In addition, she provides massages that help with stress and relaxation.
She always leaves me with hand drawn pictures of stretches and various things to do for homework, whether warm or ice soaking, using a ball to help decompress my spine, or more.
Socializing with people really makes a big difference. Meeting with friends is important and makes a difference in my whole attitude. I can be in a grumpy mood in the morning and meeting with someone completely transforms how I feel.
I also try to get outdoors and in the warm weather. I like to kayak, bike, hike, and walk outside.
I have something meaningful that I am doing. I started a nonprofit a year ago and I am very involved in that. It’s called Nashoba Neighbors and is designed to help older adults stay in their homes with a little help. It is so rewarding to see what a difference the non-profit in people’s lives.
3. How has the class helped you manage stress?
Beverley has taught us some good stress management techniques, especially breathing. The stretches taught in class help me manage stress. And, of course, being with others, in especially in a positive environment where there is no complaining or negative attitudes. It is a great group!
4. Is there anything else that you found helpful?
I use the toe spreaders from the Senior Foot Workshop. These foot alignment socks can be purchased on Amazon.
I also use the toe spreaders for self-care that I learned about in the Senior Foot workshop. (The Senior Foot workshop was held in September 2023 and the recording is still available. See OsteofitnessTM Announcements section for more information on past workshops).
5. Are there any recommendations you would like to share to anyone going through a similar experience?
I needed to create a team to help me through this. For the past two years we didn’t know what was wrong, and my husband was in and out of hospitals. It was hard for him and me. He passed away November of 2023. I needed to find a team that worked for me. My support system. This included with a group of professionals: doctors and social workers, and geriatric care members. The social worker was the most helpful. My husband went to adult daycare where the group was supportive, and they helped me a lot too. It benefited me to talk with others going through the never thought I would end up a member of Nashoba Neighbors. I also had to develop coping mechanisms. This consisted of exercises, the OsteofitnessTM classes, getting outside, and taking steps to stay active. It is not something you can do alone. A support system and healthy coping mechanisms are vital. Catherine shows how a combination of healthy coping mechanisms and a support team is needed when we are facing difficult times and loss and gives us hope that we will still smile and find a way to live life to the fullest.