Kay Riffle, 78-years-old, had imagined floating down a river during a wheelchair yoga class she attends at her residence at Elmcroft Assisted Living in Medina, Ohio. Eventually, she took her first canoe ride in the Tuscarawas River in northeastern Ohio despite being aqua phobic, as reported in the Coshocton Tribune.
"I don't know why, but I always imagine myself going down a river in a canoe when I am meditating, and yet, I am afraid of water," the retired postal service supervisor told the media source.
She found the river journey to be very relaxing. Kay was assisted by the Second Wind Dreams; a group dedicated to helping senior fulfill personal aspirations.
Wheelchair yoga has becoming popular in assisted living residences. Poses are adapted and participants are instructed to respect their limitations. Benefits include increased flexibility and strength, an increase in mental clarity and well being. For Kay Riffle, it led to the fulfilment of a lifelong dream and overcoming a phobia of the water.