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Posted on: June 20, 2012

With aging comes physical, mental and emotional challenges that may decrease one’s quality of life. Seniors have a basic need for touch and stimulation to improve their body and mind and overall well being. To better cope with aging and health problems, massage therapy may help the elderly, especially those who have little or no close physical contact.

An often overlooked area of elder care is massage therapy, which can make a big difference in the health and comfort of seniors. Apart from shorter sessions lasting about 30 minutes, one important technique that is central to massage therapy training is the gentle touch. This involves using mild and soothing hand strokes and motions to avoid bruising and damaging the senior’s sensitive skin. The main areas of attention are usually the arms and legs using compress and release motions, the soles of the feet, the hands, palms and fingers and the back and shoulders, using circular moves on the muscles.

Although the massaging techniques used for seniors are milder, they are effective and offer benefits such as:

• Improved lymph and blood circulation


• Reduced pain, discomfort and stress


• Increased physical and mental relaxation


• Enhanced sleep quality, self-esteem and wellbeing


• Better blood pressure and advancing the healing process for some illnesses

Providing stimulating massages to seniors may not only increase their comfort, but also extend their quality of life.

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