I’m one of them!
The baby boomers – those of us born between 1946 and 1964. We make up 26% of the US population: 70 million people strong.
We’re the group that vowed to change the world – and we did! And fooled ourselves into believing we would never get old, or sick. Surprise!
A study conducted by the Merrill Lynch financial management company identified four baby boomer “healthystyles”:
Lucky, but Lax – 10%. This group may have been blessed with great genes and a healthy start to life. Because they have enjoyed a relatively healthy life so far, they lack interest or motivation in maintaining their health as they age. They don’t see the need to change anything that so far has worked just fine.
Healthy & Proactive. Twenty-nine percent (29%) engage in exercise & proper nutrition; maintain a positive attitude about their health and future. They recognize that self-care is health-care.
Course-correcting and Motivated – Another twenty-nine percent (29%) are starting to realize the importance of vital health, and taking steps to make up for past bad health habits. This group is eager to learn.
Challenged and Concerned. The largest group – 32% of baby boomers – are facing health challenges. These folks are not practicing good health habits, and are worried about their health.
Identifying to whom you are talking is necessary if you want to recommend someone receive reflexology on a regular basis. Each of these populations has different physical and psychological needs that must be met.
The Lucky ones can be encouraged to maintain their optimum health status by supporting all the operating systems of their body through a weekly (or even monthly) session designed to sustain their good luck.
The Proactive members are more likely to be taking advantage of – or, at least, open to – bodywork, yoga, meditation, etc. These people will appreciate knowing that you can focus your sessions to offer extra attention on certain systems or organs.
The Motivated group will see results from focused sessions as well, and will benefit from experiencing the results of deep relaxation. These folks will be grateful for referrals to other practitioners, educational literature and other resources that will support their decision to improve their health.
The Concerned category needs to relax. Start there – relaxation is the basis of health. Work on reflexes to the central nervous system, diaphragm, solar plexus and adrenals. The experience of deep relaxation might interest the client in learning other ways to feel better in their body and less anxious about the future. Be a resource; a coach to any in this group who want to make changes.
And what about you? What piece of the pie do you find yourself occupying?
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