Benefits of Massage and Communication Therapy for Baby Boomers
The social aspect of massage and talking can be beneficial for The Baby Boomers with limited social interaction. The Baby Boomers are those born between 1945 and 1965, aging between 55 and 75. There is no secret that the UK population fastest growing segment is 65 or older. As this group grows, there is an increased emphasis on well-being, quality of life and health.
Compassionate Touch combines touch and communication as a person-centred approach to connect with clients. Person-centeredness is treating people with dignity and respect by being aware of and supporting personal perspectives, values, beliefs and preferences.
Touch is an unappreciated sense; we rely on our sense of touch, and yet rarely give it second thought. Baby Boomers, are vulnerable to the lack of simple acts of touch and the benefits that goes a long way with them. Massage therapy not only offers physical rewards, it provides mental and emotional as well.
Baby Boomers’ massage aims at improving health conditions, quality of life and well-being. Stiff muscles limit mobility and can cause chronic pain. As skin matures dehydrates quicker, therefore retains less moisture skin is then more susceptible to tearing and bruising. Massage therapists use soothing strokes and mild stretching instead of deep pressure during the massage for these reasons.
Massage therapists will consider health contraindications and use suitable techniques for each individual client. Therapists provided older clients with clothed treatments to avoided undressing / dressing and adapt massage methods for clients who are confined to a wheelchair. (Find out how we can provide a service in your own home)
There is research evidence that overall health and well-being benefits from massage for Baby Boomers clients are profound. Massage therapy improves circulation, joint flexibility, muscle tone and strength, and the quality of sleep. Massage sessions also reduces pain and swelling, lowers blood pressure, and decreases stress, fear and anxiety. With more social interaction come the release of endorphins and increases a sense of quality of life.
Touch triggers the body to produce oxytocin, releasing it into the bloodstream, and stored in the brain. The oxytocin hormone performs a number of different physiological functions, including reducing stress levels, lowering blood pressure, increasing pain tolerance, and boosting mood. The oxytocin hormone is linked with accelerating the rate at which wounds heal! Baby Boomers s regularly miss out benefit of compassionate touch
Talking can help all sorts of people in lots of different situations. Talking helps diminish loneliness. Talking can help anyone who's going through a difficult time or has emotional problems that they need help with. For many adults it may be the same or more effective than medication.
Sometimes it is easier to talk to a stranger than to relatives or friends.
Talking during the therapy session, the therapist listens to you without judging you.
The therapist will allow the client to talk, or just think. It's an opportunity to look at their problems in a different way with someone who'll respect them and their decisions.
Some clients say that talking does not make their problems go away, but they find it easier to cope with and feel happier. A caring massage therapist will be polite and engaging with clients without being judgemental or a rush to end a conversation.
Compassionate Touch Therapies, talking and massage, can be helpful for lots of things, including:
• Decreases anxiety and stress
• Lessons the symptoms of depression
• Stabilizes blood pressure
• Helps alleviate sleep disorders
• Increases circulation
• Improves joint mobility
• Decreases inflammation
• Increases the sense of well being
• May lesson dependence on pain medications and other types of medications
• Improves the flow of lymphatic fluid
• Improves digestion
• Provides much needed nurturing
Talking and massage therapies are becoming increasingly common use alongside medicines.
There may be instances when a client should consult with their GP to ensure massage program would safe before beginning. Examples are, someone who has an acute illness, is undergoing chemotherapy, has osteoarthritis, osteoporosis or has had recent surgery, should talk to their doctor first.
Resources
https://elementsmassage.com/blog/benefits-of-massage-therapy-for-Baby Boomers s
https://training.mmlearn.org/blog/massage-for-aging-Baby Boomers s-the-benefits-and-power-of-touch
https://www.rightathome.net/blog/geriatric-massage-comfort-Baby Boomers s
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/benefits-of-talking-therapy/
https://ie.reachout.com/getting-help-2/face-to-face-help/things-you-need-to-know/benefits-of-talking-to-someone/
http://www.valueoptions.com/solutions/2011/11-November/story5.htm