Inspired by Nonna: The Power of Alternative Health for Aging

Inspired by Nonna

My grandmother, Nonna, inspired my passion for finding alternative health solutions for older adults. She suffers from arthritis in her lower back and regularly receives cortisone shots to manage the pain. I vividly remember one time, following a shot, when the pain was so intense, she couldn’t move for an entire week. It was heartbreaking to watch her struggle, especially when I remembered the active, strong woman she was during my childhood. 

Growing up, I spent summers with Nonna, making gnocchi together and swimming at the community pool. She was full of energy and always on the go. Now, in her later years, she continues to show remarkable strength and resilience—just in different ways. While her physical strength and energy have diminished, her fortitude shines through in the way she embraces life with balance, gratitude, and courage. She faces pain, as well as the inevitable changes, and grief and losses that come with aging, with incredible grace.

As she navigates this new chapter of life, it has become clear that she needs new tools to manage her pain and maintain her physical strength. While we can’t eliminate pain or reverse the natural aging process, there are ways to maintain and even improve quality of life. Learning, staying connected with others, and engaging in mindful movement can help us better navigate life’s challenges.

Yoga has been a powerful tool for me in dealing with my own struggles, and I believe it can be equally beneficial for older adults. It helps integrate the mind and body while strengthening our sense of community—three essential elements for a fulfilling and resilient aging journey.

What I love most about aging is that it’s a universal experience. If we’re lucky, we’ll all go through the aging process ourselves. My hope is that, when that time comes, we’ll have the support we need to embrace it fully and make it a meaningful, fulfilling journey.