With professional massage, the elderly cannot be approached in the same way as the younger population. Both the body and the mind of the elderly differ in many ways. First, it is necessary to ensure the complete comfort of the client, as well as to establish trust. Unfortunately, massage is not very popular among the elderly, due to a misunderstanding between the generations, and due to the financial condition of our pensioners. However, it should be emphasized that massage for the elderly can bring many benefits and a significant improvement in the quality of life.
Why is massage so important?
First of all, older people become less and less active over time, which negatively affects the quality of life. Here, massage could keep the muscles in shape and help reduce the signs of aging. It would also have a positive effect in preventing many diseases that we associate with reduced physical activity. By improving circulation, it keeps the body and heart in shape. It is also a known fact that one hour of body massage means 6-7 hours of sleep, which then results in a better mood and more energy.
What techniques are used?
During professional massage for the elderly, techniques are applied with light pressure, stroking, stretching and kneading of certain points on the body. These techniques will not only relax you, but also relieve arthritis pain. It will improve joint lubrication and relax tense muscles. Special attention should be paid due to the sensitivity of the body of the elderly. This is why it is very important that the massage is performed by a qualified and experienced therapist who must ensure that the application of older personal massage techniques is safe for the person and additionally pay attention to the pressure and intensity of the massage itself. It needs to be individually adapted to the client so that there is no stronger pressure and intensity than the tissue can withstand.
Benefits of massage for the elderly There are many studies on this topic that have shown that professional massage has a beneficial effect on the psychophysical health and well-being of the elderly. Massage has been shown to have a very positive effect on people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
Some of the benefits of massage
- Massage relaxes and gives a feeling of comfort
- Helps to deal with depression in later years
- Improves communication in the elderly
- Increases the range of motion of the limbs
- Relieves pain in people with arthritis
- Improves the mental health of the elderly
- Increases energy level
- Increases strength and improves muscle coordination
- Improves blood circulation in the body
- Helps reduce pain associated with various ailments and improves quality of life
- Improves body posture
- Removes muscle tension
- Massage makes the body more flexible
- Massage has proven to be effective in regulating quality and long-lasting sleep, as well as in the fight against insomnia