Common physical effects of aging include decreased mobility and strength, slower nerve conduction, fragile skin, loss of bone and muscle mass, poor hearing and sight and a diminished immune system, according to Patricia Benjamin, Ph.D., author of "Tappan's Handbook of Healing Massage Techniques." In addition, many elderly suffer from isolation, touch deprivation, anxiety and depression. Dr. Benjamin says that massage has many benefits for elderly men and women.
General Benefits
Dr. Tiffany Field of the Touch Research Institute in Miami says that massage reduces pain, improves sleep, reduces stress and anxiety, improves immune function and enhances alertness and performance. Dr. Benjamin agrees, noting that massage not only provides all these benefits, but also helps the elderly maintain the flexibility and strength needed for daily activities and independence. It also aids other common problems of aging: chronic pain, fragile skin and constipation. Massage can alleviate these problems, but improvement often comes more slowly than it does for younger clients, according to Mariellen and Burt Boss, owners of Massage Rx in Rancho Mirage, Calif.
Social Benefits
Massage provides a social outlet and a caring touch for isolated elderly. Mariellen Boss, with 17 years of experience working with the elderly, states that her clients like to sit and talk before the massage. She lets them talk about their lives and their bodies before making a plan for that day's massage. Burt Boss, with 10 years of working with elderly clients, agrees that clients see the massage appointment as a "day out." The touch provided during the massage may be one of the few times they receive attention in a caring and compassionate way.
Identifying Health Problems
Massage therapists can sometimes catch health problems that might otherwise go untreated. Boss says that many of her clients live alone, so she pays attention to signs of skin problems. She checks the feet of diabetic clients and looks for changes in moles and other markings. A massage therapists may see that a client's health is slipping and may ask if it is OK to contact the family or physician. The massage therapist may also notice side effects of a new medication and advise the client to talk to his pharmacist or doctor.
Benefits of Skillful Touch
Depression and psychological stress are common among elderly who are isolated and lonely. For them, a caring skillful touch is especially important, according to Dr. Benjamin. Massage provides vital human contact, nurturing and support. Even gentle touch with light pressure can relieve pain and psychological distress. If you would like to help an elderly person in your life by providing massage, you can learn more from videos produced by Daybreak Geriatric Massage Institute, which is the oldest massage school specializing in geriatric massage.
References
- Benjamin, Patricia J.; Tappan, Frances M.; "Tappan's Handbook of Healing Massage Techniques"; 2009
- Touch Research Institute: Adult Massage
- Mariellen and Burt Boss, Massage Therapists, Rancho Mirage California
- Holistic Nursing Practice; "Touch the pain away: new research on therapeutic touch and persons with fibromyalgia syndrome" Denison, B. (2004) 18(3): 142-51.
- Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.; "Healing by Gentle Touch Ameliorates Stress and Other Symptoms in People Suffering with Mental Health Disorders or Psychological Stress"; Weze, Leathard, Grange, Tiplady, Stevens; 2007 March
