"Light exercise and massage – and in your way, helps the body move more easily, nature's way"
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Elder Al's Elderlies Massage & Exercises by Albert E. Vicent Trafford Publishing
book review by Donna Ford
Albert Vicent's "secret" to a long, healthy life is likely the massage and exercise routines he maintains daily. In his eighties, he encourages their use to fellow seniors and those "younger if you feel up to it." This 60-page book provides easy steps and photos of each instruction. The Massage takes 5-6 minutes in the morning and is done seated at the edge of a bed or in a chair. Massage promotes energy and releases stiffness and tension. Vicent cheers you on: "Go for it. Wakes up the whole body."
Morning exercises include a set done seated, four that address bending, arms/legs, balance, neck and eleven to increase flexibility. Three use purchased equipment such as small balls to improve hand grip. All can be done at home. Evening exercises require stationary bike, rope for skipping or treadmill to "enjoy your speed, your time, anytime." Vicent's massage is based on several therapeutic massages: hand and foot reflexology, cranial-sacral massage, and trigger-point release. The effect on the body is similar to having walked vigorously for a period of time. And you never leave your chair.
Proof his exercise routines work is that Vicent is still able to perform them as an octogenarian. He even designed an exercise tool he calls a "bar." Resembling a majorette's baton, it is made economically from a length of sprinkler pipe. The bar is used in flexibility exercises 6-17.
This book offers adults of any age renewed energy, flexibility, and strength. The author's sparkling personality helps to overlook the occasional typo. Larger type for the exercise steps would have been helpful. This makes an excellent gift for shut-ins. Check with a doctor before performing exercises that are repetitive or high impact, such as skipping rope.