Aging happens to all of us. As we age, our bodies need more care, our lives are often stressful, and many of us become more isolated. Therapeutic massage can help. But many elders don't know that massage is an option. We have some tips to help elders get the care they need.
Physical needs
Getting older can be tough — common aches and pains become more common, and conditions like arthritis tend to worsen. Older folks also heal more slowly, for example from an injury due to a fall or from surgery. Sound sleep can also become infrequent, which many believe is the cornerstone of physical and mental health.
How massage can help
Studies show that seniors who incorporate massage as part of their treatment for osteoarthritis had less pain and stiffness.
Massage has been shown to improve sleep quality in elderly folks. As we discussed in our Rest for Success article, better sleep results in overall better health, since the body is then allowed more time to repair itself.
Emotional needs
A 2020 report found that more than one-third of adults 45 and older feel lonely, and almost one in four aged over 65 are socially isolated. That’s pretty tragic, especially considering that social isolation was associated with premature death from all causes, greater risk of heart disease and stroke, higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide, and about a 50% increased risk of dementia.
How massage can help
For those of us with few social connections, a doctor’s appointment or visit from a home health nurse may be one of the few face-to-face encounters they have.
Warming Up to the Idea
It’s good to remember that just as different regions have different customs, so do different age groups. If the older person in your life isn’t familiar with therapeutic massage, here are a few tips:
If they are accustomed to having a “spa day,” or open to that idea, you could present it to them in that context.
Our neighbor Tom reports that his mom sometimes doesn’t take the time for self-care, but follows doctor’s orders religiously. In that case, ask their primary care physician to recommend massage to them. Beats taking more pills!
“Massage benefits can include: Reducing stress and increasing relaxation. Reducing pain and muscle soreness and tension. Improving circulation, energy and alertness. Lowering heart rate and blood pressure. Improving immune function.”
In summary
This video gives an overview of the benefits of massage, all of which apply to the elders we know as well.
Come visit us at Parkside
Come see our expert team at Parkside Clinic where we tailor our care to your specific condition and tap into your body’s natural healing ability. Make an appointment, or if you have any questions, contact us.