Gracefully aging is something we all desire yet fail to acknowledge and prepare for the complications associated with it. As our bodies become weak, we are more likely to experience a sedentary lifestyle. However, staying inactive for a long time is detrimental to our health because it causes muscle stiffness, which prevents smooth body movement

Nonetheless, would anyone want to spend their old age just lying in bed? Definitely, not! Senior massage is an activity that is traditionally practiced worldwide to maintain a healthy lifestyle and body strength.

According to some research conducted by the ‘International Journal of Older People Nursing’, massages enhance the health and well-being of elders. They have historically been an ultimate source of stress relief and assist in managing anxiety. Elderly massages have been a known secret of preventing old age chronic diseases and problems.

Benefits of elderly massages

Living a healthy and long life is all that anyone wants. Anthony Lima, a licensed massage therapist in Judson said, “The benefits of massage therapy are wide-ranging”. In fact, senior massages are the best activity one can perform to regain the body’s physical functionality. Thus, it is important to highlight the several positive impacts of incorporating weekly massages within the routine of elderly people for a better quality of life. Ease joint and muscle pain:

As we enter into our late sixties, we are subjected to body pain, muscle stiffness, inactivity, and inadequate flow of blood. Not to worry – senior massage will be your ray of hope in an elegant aging process. It will prove highly beneficial in conquering all kinds of chronic problems. The lack of exercise during our fifties, makes our muscles hard and stiff. Elderly massages will help to soften and reduce this stiffness by increasing the blood circulation of specific areas, helping us function more effectively.

Enhance the balancing ability:

One of the most common concerns of aging is the infirm, weak, and fragile bones that cause an imbalance in gait and hence, we often see elderly people trip or fall more easily. One of the most effective techniques while encountering this issue is the implementation of geriatric massage in one’s weekly routine. Not only will it help to manage physical challenges and improve our balance, it will also eventually lower the risk of falling down.

Combat sleep issues:

With the exhausted lifestyle, we often encounter sleepless nights. However, massages are the best way to relax and resolve sleep issues. Since we have gone through all the stressful, joyful, sad, and dramatic moments of life as we age, they invoke anxiety, depression, and sleepless nights in elderly people. Hence, to improve the sleeping cycle of seniors, a study shows that those who receive relaxation massages, have quality sleep that allows their bodies more time to relax and repair.

Reduce stress and anxiety:

Massage is best known for stress management. Multiple studies have emphasized the emotional benefits of massage therapy that have been proven right beyond a doubt. The relaxation massage increases the level of dopamine that aid in stabilizing the mood by suppressing negative thoughts, therefore, allowing the elders to stay calm and avoid days of Depression.

Promote mental relaxation:

As we grow old, we always need someone to stay by our side and listen to us. Including massage therapy in our routine will help us to get out of our isolation period, as it invokes feelings of care and connection. Moreover, many seniors have lost their partners, so they often feel touch-deprived. Therefore, a comfortable touch during massage brings a sense of calmness and relaxation in elder people that make them feel good and connected.

Increase mobility:

Growing old does not mean you are going to limit your mobility by laying in bed and depriving yourself of any physical activity. One can enjoy their old age just as much as they enjoyed their younger days, just by incorporating massages into their weekly routine. The massage elevates the flow of blood that improves mobility and flexibility allowing you to have a wide range of motion in our daily activities, yet letting you enjoy our life to the fullest.

There is certainly no doubt about the plethora of massage benefits in the lives of seniors. Incorporate the elderly massage techniques in to the daily routines of your loved ones and witness a positive impact on their life and well-being.

Dan Buettner, who is the New York Times best-selling author and a world-renowned speaker on many platforms such as National Geographic, went on an expedition to hunt down the major secrets to longevity and a healthy life. A healthy diet and adequate sleep are widely acknowledged to fuel our energy, but is that all it takes to live a long, happy life?

A group of notorious researchers, hired by Dan Buettner, began an investigation across the globe, where people live the longest, namely, the “Blue Zones”. They discovered that most centenarians reach the age of 100 at 10 times greater than the average, and no, it has very little to do with genetics.
This astonishing finding eventually leads them to identify the major characteristics that might help others unleash the secrets to longevity.

Nearly all Blue zone residents were found to share the following, specific traits.

Ample Physical Activity

The people of the Blue Zones don’t run marathons every year, nor were they found to hit the gym every now and then. Instead, the environments they live in forced them to move parts of their body as a daily routine. The luxury of having a digitized life, where convenience is prioritized, robs one of tending to the mechanical aspects of housework. A simple lifestyle that is nourished with ample physical activity aids to many aspects of living longer.

Having a Sense of Purpose

A strong sense of purpose, where motivation is not a constant battle, can truly alter one’s outlook on life. It reduces mental stress all the while improving good sleep. Defining your goals and holding a sense of purpose can help you look forward to making positive changes in a certain direction.

Stress Management

Stress can be the root of several problems. And it is not something that one can easily rid themselves of. Chronic inflammation where age is the catalyst can impact the quality of life significantly. Many centenarians were found to be fond of napping and enough socializing to enhance a longer health span.

The 80% rule

The 80% rule is to stop oneself from eating excessively. After every meal when the stomach is 80% full, it is a reminder that one should stop eating to maintain an optimal and healthy weight.

Spending Time in The Green

The centenarians of the tribes were also fond of planting, gardening, and harvesting their own crops. Grain is the ultimate cornerstone of their wellness and healthy diet. Many researchers have found that plant-based meals can often replace the nutrients one requires from meat. They are also found to consume meat in moderation, which is the key to a healthy lifestyle.

Family First

The centenarians were found to have adequate restorative sleep, healthy meals, and physical activity in their daily routines. However, what many of us attribute to their genes, they are reportedly said to have happy longer lives with the simple act of devoting their lives to their families. Keeping family close to you and investing time and love with the ones close to you not only lower the mortality rate but lowers the risk of many diseases.

By enacting a lifestyle based on these findings, anyone can drive their best self towards a long and healthy life ahead of them!