Serenity for Seniors: Why Massage Is Great for Older Adults
Your grandparents are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. A favorite aunt just retired from work. Your dad won his pickleball tournament. You want to give each of them something special, and lucky for you, they can all get the same gift—a massage from Firefly!
In case you didn’t know it, massage for older adults (sometimes called geriatric massage) offers tremendous benefits. If there’s a special senior in your life, here are some of the reasons why you should encourage them to indulge in a little TLC and try one of our personalized massages:
Stress Relief and Relaxation
Older adults may not have the pressures of career and child-rearing, but they still can suffer elevated stress because they’re dealing with health issues and lifestyle changes. Massage therapy provides significant stress reduction, promoting deep relaxation for older adults. A study published in the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork found that massage, combined with aromatherapy essential oils, reduced stress and anxiety levels in seniors. The gentle touch of a professional massage therapist can help calm the nervous system in a peaceful, serene atmosphere.
Pain Management and Improved Mobility
Creaky knees. Stiff hips. Aching back and neck. Chronic muscle tension and joint pain are often one of the everyday challenges of old age and they take a mental as well as a physical toll. Massage therapy can be a powerful tool in managing pain and enhancing mobility. Studies indicate that massage therapy reduces pain and increases joint flexibility in mature adults so they can strive to be active and healthy in their daily lives. At Firefly, our skilled massage therapists take the time to listen to each client’s health concerns and tailor the sessions to address specific pain points, helping to alleviate discomfort and increase mobility.
Circulation and Improved Sleep
Massage can improve blood circulation, promoting the delivery of oxygen and essential nutrients to the body’s tissues. With improved circulation, older adults may experience faster healing, reduced swelling, and relief from symptoms associated with poor blood flow. Additionally, massage’s calming effects can aid in improving sleep quality, which tends to decline with age. And that’s important because sleep disruptions can affect brain function, energy levels, and so much more.
Emotional Well-Being and Mental Health Support
Older adults struggling with death, illness, memory loss, or other problems may experience feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. The caring touch and human connection offered during a massage, along with the relaxation benefits, can help ease those mental health symptoms by boosting mood, uplifting spirits, and improving the quality of life.
Massage is a meaningful gift to give anyone, especially older adults. We offer new client specials for anyone who hasn’t been to Firefly. Once your gift recipient experiences a Firefly massage, they’ll want to come back for more, and that’s when they can purchase a membership that offers discounts on massages each calendar month! If you’re still shopping for a holiday gift for your parents, grandparents, or other cherished older people in your life, come to Firefly or book their appointment online.
