Health Benefits of Massage for Active Adults
How long has it been since you had a massage? It has probably been too long. Getting regular massages is relaxing, but it carries far more benefits than simple stress relief and relaxation. Massage therapy can help treat certain medical conditions, as well as improve your overall health and quality of life. It can be especially helpful for older adults, promoting healthy aging. Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits of massage for active adults.
As we get older, our bodies face new challenges we haven’t encountered as younger people. Our mobility and strength decrease, our nerves function more slowly, our body tissue becomes less elastic, our skin becomes drier and thinner, and our immune system works less efficiently. Additionally, we are at risk of losing bone mass and our senses can decrease in function. There are certain factors that can speed up these negative aspects of the aging process, including chronic stress, inactivity, and inflammation. Fortunately, you can take steps to slow this process, by living a healthy and fulfilled life.
Massage can be an important part of living a healthy life. It’s relaxing and can reduce anxiety and muscle tension, improving our sleep. What’s more, massage therapy can increase joint range of motion and improve flexibility, making it easier to remain active. With regular massages, you are less likely to be injured while exercising, because your muscles and joints will be more pliable. After an exercise session, a massage can soothe sore muscles and reduce tension. It can also help with social interaction, helping us feel more connected.
Are you uncomfortable with the idea of massage? There is no need to be. Your massage therapist will make you comfortable, and you can be partially or fully undressed under a drape, or you can remain fully clothed. You can choose to be seated or lie down, and some massage tables are designed to go up and down so that people with mobility issues can more easily use them. Massage lessons last for 15 to 90 minutes, and your massage therapist will either work on your whole body or focus on areas that are of concern to you.
Some massages are done in the massage therapist’s office, and some therapists will come to your home. When you are trying to decide on a massage therapist, consider the qualifications and style of massage. Look for a therapist with training in geriatrics and reflexology, and make sure the therapist has the training required by your state. You can choose from different types of massage, including deep tissue, hot stone, Swedish massage, and sports massage, and your therapist may use more than one type during your session.
When you’re ready to find a luxurious active adult community where a healthy lifestyle is prioritized, consider Larkspur at Creekside. A family-owned and managed 55-plus community, we offer resort-style apartments and cottages in New Braunfels, Texas, with an emphasis on active living. We give our residents the chance to transition from the responsibilities and burdens of home ownership to a lifestyle of convenience and luxury, full of new friends, new activities, and new adventures. To learn more about life at Larkspur at Creekside, call 830-625-2277, or contact us through our website.