Massage for Seniors: Feeling Good at Any Age
Massage for seniors is incredibly helpful in maintain flexibility and movement. It also helps reduce stress and anxiety.
Therapeutic massage can help you feel good at any age, including seniors. It is especially beneficial as you grow older.
Massage can:
- improve general health
- address problem conditions
- improve sleep
- enhance quality of life
Challenges of Aging
Even though aging is a normal life process, there are things we can do to lessen the effects and slow the process.
Some physical effect of aging include:
- decrease in general mobility
- decrease in muscular strength
- slower nerve conduction
- less tissue elasticity
- thinner and drier skin
- loss of bone mass
- decreased function of the senses
- less efficient immune system
Chronic stress and inactivity can accelerate the aging process. Luckily, therapeutic massage combats both of these issues.
Related: Arthritis and Massage Therapy
Benefits of Massage for Seniors and the Elderly
Enhances General Health
Massage can be introduced to any health maintenance plan at any age. It helps keep the body and mind functioning optimally.
Massage Reduces the Negative Effects of Stress
As mentioned above, stress and anxiety can accelerate the aging process. Massage can help reduce the physical and mental effects of these debilitating conditions.
The elderly are particularly at risk because of:
- accumulated losses
- frustrations
- possible isolation
- lack of human touch
- loss of independence
Massage for Seniors helps to:
- enhance general relaxation
- reduce muscular tension and associated discomfort
- reduce anxiety
- improve sleep
- increase feeling of well-being
Mobility and Independence
Massage for seniors can help you keep the flexibility and strength needed to accomplish the activities of every day life. For example:
- getting up out of a chair
- walking
- climbing stairs
- driving a car
- getting in an out of the bathtub or shower
Massage for Seniors Supports Fitness Programs
Regular exercise and movement is vital to lifelong fitness and slowing the aging process. Therapeutic Massage can be an important addition to an exercise routine. Benefits include:
- Reducing injury and soreness
- Relaxes tight muscles
- Relieves muscle aches and stiffness
- Speeds recovery from exercise
A Caring Touch
For seniors who are home bound, have lost independence and loved ones, massage can provide a caring touch. It also provides personal interaction and communication.
Related: Types of Massage and What to Expect During a Massage
Massage therapist can visit you in your home or residence or you can visit their office to receive a massage. Which ever is easiest for you.
Please check with your medical health provider first before getting a massage.
Also, please read our article on Massage for Alzheimer’s Patients and Dementia Care, as massage can be very helpful with this disease.
Schedule A Massage Today
I have experience with massage for seniors and elderly care. I am also a cancer survivor and have extensive experience and a passion for helping cancer patients and survivors. Discounts are available for cancer patients, survivors and veterans. Call today to find out more information. 517-898-2899
References:
Mayo Clinic on Healthy Aging. Creagan, E., MD., editor. Rosetta Books, 2014
Ayarti, M. and Azarani, A. Paths to Healthy Aging. Amazon Digital Services. 2014
Rose, M.K. Comfort Touch: Massage for the Elderly and Ill. Baltimore: LWW, 2009
Therapeutic Massage for Healthy Aging by Patricia J. Benjamin, Ph.D. and Victoria Carmona.