According to the Middle series of the 2012 National Projections, the population of American citizens aged 65 and over (the seniors) is estimated to be more than one-fifth of the total population by 2030, up from 13 percent reported in 2010 (Ortman, Velkoff, & Hogan, 2014). As this segment of the population rises, there is increased focus on health care, the standard of living and individual well-being. Promoting massage therapy for the community of residents 65 and older is a great way to improve the health and wellness of the aging population. In light of the pursuit of this health care strategy, it is important to inform communities on the many benefits of massage therapy offers to this senior segment of the American citizenry.
The application of pressure on specific areas on the body by hand helps the body to relax, and this assists in the alleviation of pain and tension, especially for patients suffering from aging-related illnesses such as the Alzheimer’s disease and osteoarthritis (American Massage Therapy Association, 2014). Besides reducing pain and stiffness, a massage also reduces stress levels, which tend to increase with aging. What is more, there is a little chance of causing bodily damage to patients, with the proper administration of specialized massages such as a geriatric massage. This makes massage a better option than prescription drugs, which can be associated with undesirable side effects.
Summing up, as massage therapy is designed to provide pain relief from different types of age-related discomfort associated with the musculoskeletal system, it can go a long way in ensuring that seniors in the community stay strong and healthy. This way, the older population will be able to live more active, fulfilling lifestyles. That is a good-enough reason to encourage the community of residents aged 65 and older to seek professional massage therapy service.
- American Massage Therapy Association. (2014, February 22). Massage for seniors: What the Research Says — American Massage Therapy Association. Retrieved from https://www.amtamassage.org/articles/3/MTJ/detail/2318
- Ortman, J. M., Velkoff, V. A., & Hogan, H. (2014). An aging nation: The older population in the United States, Current Population Reports, 25-1140. Washington, DC: US Census Bureau. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/prod/2014pubs/p25-1140.pdf
