Although most of us think of a massage as a treat when we really need to unwind, regular massage sessions can actually boost senior health and wellness. In addition to being a relaxing experience, here are six ways your elderly loved one can benefit from massage.
1. Relieve Symptoms of Osteoarthritis (OA)
Massage therapy is a common form of treatment for older adults with OA. A recent study analyzed the effects of eight weeks of massage therapy for people with OA compared to people who didn’t receive massage therapy. The study found people who got regular massages had pain lessened by 23 points over their baseline, while stiffness lessened by 21 points and physical disability lessened by more than 20 points.
2. Reduce Agitation in Seniors with Alzheimer’s
Massage therapy has been used for decades to ease symptoms of Alzheimer’s. A 1995 study found therapeutic massage can be used to reduce agitation in people with dementia, particularly physical symptoms such as resisting and pacing.
3. Alleviate Stiffness & Joint Pain
Most elderly people experience some amount of joint pain and muscle stiffness, especially after vigorous activity. Massage therapy for seniors uses gentle techniques to mobilize the joints and muscles while reducing inflammation. This can gradually increase range of motion.
Home caregivers can help seniors with daily tasks that are challenging because of pain associated with common age-related conditions. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable home care. Families trust Assisting Hands Home Care to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
4. Increase Circulation
One of the greatest benefits of massage for seniors is its ability to increase circulation. Seniors, particularly those with diabetes, are more susceptible to circulatory problems, and regular massage and exercise can prevent some of the complications of diabetes.
5. Boost Emotional Wellbeing
A 2010 study found seniors who receive massage therapy score better in terms of emotional wellbeing. Massage can reduce feelings of depression and stress, and it can also give seniors a way to connect and enjoy a sense of companionship with their massage therapists.
For families living in Miami, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
6. Enhance Sleep
Seniors who receive regular massages typically report deeper, longer sleep. This is important because it’s during sleep that the body repairs and regenerates, and high-quality sleep boosts overall wellbeing.
Getting massages on a regular basis can boost your loved one’s quality of life and increase his or her ability to age in place. The type of home care Miami seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors. For more information about our flexible, customizable home care plans, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today.