It’s natural to slow down as we become older because of the discomfort and stiffness accompanying aging. Chronic diseases like osteoarthritis or afflictions like Parkinson’s disease might make it tough to participate in all of your favorite physical activities. However, seniors must remain physically active to benefit from the positive effects of regular exercise on their mobility, flexibility, and even their mental health.
One of the best ways to stay comfortable as a senior is by getting regular massages, and there can be great therapeutic benefits to them. Not all seniors will be able to drive to appointments easily, and you may not have the time to help them. That’s okay. You and your loved one may benefit from the help of in-home care providers. These caregivers are specialists who will help your seniors get to and from places and help with the daily activities. In-home care providers can help your seniors feel independent and live life to the fullest.
Massage treatment has a wide range of advantages for the whole body. It may alleviate joint and muscular discomfort and even lower stress levels that are often associated with growing older. A variety of pressure points and milder stroking and kneading methods are used while massaging older citizens. Even a little massage has been shown to benefit the neurological and circulatory systems, two of the body’s most susceptible as they age.
What Are Massage Benefits for Seniors?
Here are some benefits to getting regular massages for seniors. If they have not yet received massages, it’s time to talk to your parents about how it may help them feel better and become more active.
Osteoarthritis-Related Discomfort
If there is joint pain and stiffness related to the treatment of osteoarthritis, massages may help with the pain. This can be something a senior adds to the treatment, and it may really help a senior feel more comfortable and experience less pain.
Could Improve Sleep Quality
Seniors who get massages regularly say they sleep better and longer. In general, people report feeling healthier due to giving their bodies more time to repair themselves.
May Help Fight Depression
Since many older people lack physical contact, research shows that providing them with it may enhance their mental well-being. It may sound weird, but touching others can be comforting in many ways.
Relaxation for Seniors
It is not just physical relaxation; massages provide a way to mentally relax too. As a result of massage, the body can enter a time of rest and renewal, reducing the dangerous accumulation of cortisol, or the “stress hormone.”
Keep in mind that all seniors should be talking to their doctors or physical therapists before going to get a massage. If a doctor advises against it, the senior should avoid this. For the most part, light massages done by professionals will be safe for many seniors to partake in. It can take a team of medical professionals to keep a senior safe and healing.