Healthy Aging Massage for Older Adults 75+
Your lifestyle and body change after the age of seventy-five. In my experience as a massage therapist experiencing the changes in my own body, I’ve come to enjoy their company as older adults entertain me with stories that sincerely make me laugh and are true advocates of the profession of massage therapy.
If you had children, they may be grown and you may be on babysitting duties. If you are or were married you may be care giver for your spouse or widowed and learning how to navigate in a new world. Your income may have decreased as you have to calculate what to spend money on now that your working years may be behind you. Staying healthy, however is an ongoing discipline and protecting your changing body is of utmost important. Perhaps, you are time rich and are seeking to improve your quality of life. If so, I would invite you to consider all of the benefits that massage therapy has to offer. Your speeches on the world and culture compared to the time of your youth can help us learn and appreciate history and life lessons.
From humor to posing thought provoking questions, I can attest that you are a special demographic. This post is a guide to share what is unique about giving massage to a person of this age group and its benefits.
Muscle Mass
Science is allowing us to live longer but as we age, our muscle tone declines. In muscle this means a more flaccid state however continue going to the gym. Paying more attention to form and building your strength through repetition and lighter weights. Recovery time is longer, so be mindful and pace yourself.
During a massage, the pressure used may be moderate to lighter. That’s not to say that there will not be some stubborn tension that needs working out once in awhile. Muscle tightness still continues to exists. However, it my experience, the older the age the person is, the less pressure can be added. This is a general rule but there are always exceptions. Most people assume that massage therapy can only help reduce muscle tension and that this issue is reserved for the young. Allow me to assure you that muscle tension exists within older bodies as well and it must be cared for too. Older bodies still experience muscle strain and tension. Massage therapy although primarily is used to relax muscle, it can also help nourish it with health circulation and joint mobility.
Bones
Bone density decreases with age so avoiding intense bodywork may be a wise choice. Work with a provider that is comfortable adjusting their pressure and technique. Most massage therapists feel relieved when we can use less pressure. It’s good for you and for us! During a massage this is especially helpful when adjusting pressure over bone. Using techniques such as extremely deep compression and stretching should be adjusted in strength. Pushing down hard on the pelvis or the ribs is not considered advisable. Long fluid strokes to aid in circulation are helpful and applied heat with moist towels, therapy packs, rice bags, heat lamps or stones.
Skin
As we age, the skin needs to be kept hydrated. The skin is low in collagen, thin and drier than in our youth. Because of this, an ample amount of body oil can be used to nourish the skin. Dry skin eagerly absorbs the oil within a few minutes of application. After liberal application of oil in a full body massage, the person will be not only relaxed but have beautifully moisturized skin as well. Spreading the nourishing oil over the body during a massage may be a routine that most people often neglect, so this helps with to keep the skin looking well.
Bruising
If you have thinner skin, it tends to bruise easier. I’m a big fan of cupping therapy but normally do not use it on seniors. If you’re curious about cupping therapy then you must know that it leaves marks. Thin skin may take a longer time to diminish the appearance of cupping marks. If you have medications that you take that cause thin skin and or diabetes, let your massage therapist know before you agree on cupping therapy. Other modalities that may cause bruising are trigger point therapy, acupressure, tui na and shiatsu.
Stone Massage & More
A massage therapist uses warm, oiled and smooth stones to continuously work tension from your body in a relaxing flow. This is one of my most recommended massage modalities for seniors if they want relaxation. It combines warmth and a moderate pressure that is not harmful. Cranial sacral, lomi lomi and manual lymphatic drainage are modalities that are also light, gentle and deeply relaxing.
History of Surgeries
The longer we are alive the more likely we are to have had surgery. When this is the case, it’s important to let a massage therapist know. Any reconstructive surgery, metal plates or devices in the body should be shared. They will know how much to move a specific body part or joint to avoid damage. Common surgeries include hip or knee replacements. Massage is meant to work with your body in promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Medical Devices
If you use any type of medical device that takes up room or you need special accommodations for, let your massage therapist know. Do they have space in their office to store a wheel chair or walker? Does the building have a wheelchair ramp and or an elevator if they’re on a higher floor? Is their massage table electric and lower to a reachable height from a wheelchair level? Many solo providers work with portable massage therapy tables that do not adjust height once the client is on the table. From cardiac pacemakers to hearing aids, give your massage therapists the heads up on any medical devices you have to help you move or function better to make it a smoother session.
Natural Posture
With age, it’s known for some people to struggle with a severe hump in their back and becoming smaller. Massage combats this by helping to use gentle manual decompression techniques of the spinal discs which lose thickness over time. It also addresses muscle tension in the upper body preventing a severe curve which is called kyphosis. Massage therapists often encourage their clients to exercise and can educate them. It is crucial for seniors to stay physically active. Stretching the chest and neck in an appropriate way can also be added to the massage.
Social Matters
If there is no spouse or strong family ties, aging doesn’t mean being alone. Seek out activities and the company of friends and others to socialize with. Many of my elderly clients take free fitness classes, enroll in college courses and stay abreast of all the latest events in their community. Like any person they enjoy socializing and being engaged. What massage therapy offers is the opportunity to not only care for aches and pains but also enhance the mind body connection.
Massage continues to be a relatively new pursuit in geriatric healthcare in the United States. As its popularity continues, the senior community has the time but must be resourceful when caring for their bodies and health. Some choose to continue working a part time schedule so may afford a lifestyle that includes massage. Some family members employ massage therapists for their aging relatives a few times a year. The older generation appreciate massage for its physical benefit as well as its social one, it’s one of the few healthcare appointments that are often enjoyed.
Massage is Movement
Massage can be an active therapy. It creates movement for the blood, lymph, synovial fluid that lubricates the joints and many other structures that need mobility. Massage encourages movement and reminds us that as long as we are alive and able, movement is life.
Giving massage to this demographic has so many benefits it truly astounds me. Relief from arthritis, helping with circulation, the release of feel-good endorphins in the brain are just a few worth mentioning. The aging population is an important and valuable aspect of our society. With each client I humbly learn something new and value my time with those with many years of experience. I encourage Massage Therapists to take on this new clientele and appreciate them for the exceptional aspect to give to add dimension and diversity to a growing practice.
