Benefits of Massage for the Elderly

Besides the obvious benefits such as relaxation, Massage Therapy has many benefits for seniors.

 

1 Increase blood flow to limbs

Increasing circulation is very important for seniors. Good circulation can become difficult as we age and massage is a great way to improve your circulation.

 

2 Improves balance and gait

Falling is listed as one of the top concerns with seniors today. Due to the increased blood flow, it helps to improve proprioception, or the sense of relative position of body parts, therefore improving our balance and reducing our chances of falling.

 

3 Produces feelings of caring and comfort

Some people enjoy massage because many seniors are touch-deprived due to the loss of a spouse or partner. The touch of massage really helps them to relax.

 

4 Stimulates the nervous system

Therapeutic massage helps release endorphins, hormones and neurotransmitters  that have enormous benefits on the body, including serotonin and dopamine (the happy hormone).

 

5 Eases stroke recovery

It used to be that bed rest was prescribed for up to 48 hours after a stroke, for fear of triggering another one. But that stance has flipped poles and now, following a stroke, seniors are advised to get up and moving again. A major aid to this is massage therapy because it stimulates affected areas, focusing on anything that might be paralyzed.

 

6  Increase flexibility

Due to inactivity as we get older the muscles tighten.  Massage therapy will relax those muscles and joints which will give you a wider range of motion.

 

7  Improves sleep

 

8  Immune support

Massage releases a lot of toxins and greatly supports the functioning of the immune system.

 

9  Relieves arthritic pain

Massage is not a cur for arthritis, but massage has been shown to help relieve some of the pain.

 

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Information pulled September 7, 2018

Sources:

https://www.judsonsmartliving.org/blog/top-10-health-benefits-of-massage-therapy-for-seniors/

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