Geriatric Massage

More than seventy-five million people were born in the United States from 1946 to 1964.  That was about 70% more people than were born during the preceding two decades.  As the senior population grows and people live longer, the search is on for ways to cope with the issues associated with aging.  Massage may be one of the answers.

Massage therapy has proven extremely beneficial for many of the disorders suffered by the elderly.  The psychological benefits associated with touch, coupled with the physiological effects of manipulating the soft tissues of the body, make massage particularly important for the elderly.

Physiologically, massage increases superficial blood flow and lymph flow, and causes an increase in red blood cell count and hemoglobin. Over a period of time, massage increases serotonin levels as well as the absorption rate of medications. It can also increase the delivery of nutrients to cells, soften connective tissue, reduce contractures, increase flexibility, and decrease constipation.

As the elderly suffer disproportionately from arthritis, muscular stiffness, tendonitis, and bursitis, massage is particularly helpful to them.  It improves circulation, decreases muscular stiffness, increases range of motion, and helps to decrease inflammation of the joints.  It triggers natural joint lubrication through increased circulation, which in turn improves mobility.  Massage also causes the release of endorphins, which act as a natural painkiller.  Massage increases coordination, strength, and flexibility.  It also helps to improve posture, and expedites the healing process for wounds.

More importantly than the physical benefits of massage may be the psychological benefits associated with touch.  The need for touch is especially important among elderly who are often isolated due to physical impairment, or suffer from impairments of the other senses, especially vision and hearing.  Deprivation of touch may result in feelings of worthlessness and result in depression.  Massage helps to fill this void and provides the recipient with a sense of well-being.  Massage has proven particularly useful in reducing anxiety and improving communication in Alzheimer's patients

Of course massage therapy is not a miraculous “cure-all” for every ailment associated with aging, however, it does offer a solution that, used in conjunction with routine medical care, promises to improve the quality of life for those of us who are along in years.