03/30/2025
Physical Touch & Seniors
Touch is a fundamental human experience that plays an essential role in our physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. For seniors, especially those requiring assisted living, living in care facilities or isolated at home, touch can have significant effects on overall health and quality of life. Today, we explore the profound impact that touch can have on seniors, from physical benefits to emotional and psychological effects.
1. Physical Effects of Touch
Touch can directly influence the physical health of seniors, aiding in the maintenance of bodily functions and contributing to healing.
Improved Circulation: Gentle physical touch, such as a hand massage or a comforting pat on the back, can stimulate blood flow and circulation, which is often slower in seniors due to aging. Better circulation leads to improved oxygen and nutrient delivery to the body's organs.
Pain Relief: Many seniors experience chronic pain due to conditions like arthritis or back pain. Physical touch, including massage and therapeutic techniques, has been shown to reduce pain perception by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
Enhanced Immune Function: Regular physical touch has been linked to stronger immune responses. Studies suggest that touch can reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and help increase the body’s resistance to illness, which is critical as seniors are more susceptible to infections.
Muscle Relaxation and Reduced Tension: Seniors often suffer from muscle stiffness, which can result in discomfort or reduced mobility. Touch therapy, such as massage, helps relax tense muscles and reduces stiffness, allowing for greater flexibility and comfort.
2. Emotional Effects of Touch
Touch is deeply tied to emotional regulation, providing seniors with a sense of comfort and reducing feelings of loneliness or sadness.
Increased Sense of Comfort and Security: Physical touch from loved ones or caregivers can provide reassurance, reducing anxiety and increasing feelings of safety. This emotional security is particularly important for seniors who may face cognitive decline or confusion.
Decreased Loneliness: Seniors who live alone or in care homes are at a heightened risk of loneliness, which can contribute to depression and emotional distress. Touch, such as a friendly hug or holding hands, fosters a sense of connection, reducing feelings of isolation.
Emotional Bonding: Touch plays a vital role in strengthening bonds between seniors and their caregivers or family members. Positive touch can foster a nurturing relationship, providing emotional stability and support during challenging times.
3. Psychological Effects of Touch
The psychological impact of touch for seniors is multifaceted, influencing their mental well-being, cognitive function, and overall outlook on life.
Reduction of Stress and Anxiety: Gentle touch has been proven to lower cortisol levels, which helps to alleviate stress and anxiety. For seniors who are dealing with health issues or aging-related changes, this reduction in stress is critical for maintaining mental peace.
Improved Mood and Happiness: Regular touch, such as a comforting hand on the shoulder or a warm embrace, stimulates the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the "bonding hormone." Oxytocin plays a role in enhancing mood, promoting happiness, and reducing feelings of sadness or depression.
Cognitive Benefits: Seniors with dementia or Alzheimer's disease often experience agitation, frustration, and confusion. Positive touch, particularly familiar or reassuring touch, can help calm these symptoms and provide a sense of grounding, improving their cognitive engagement and emotional response.
Side Notes About Seniors & Sexual Intimacy
While the idea of our senior parent engaging in s*xual intimacy may be somewhat uncomfortable for us, it is, nonetheless, an crucial part of any adult life. Sexual activity is important for seniors' physical and emotional well-being. It helps maintain intimacy and connection with a partner, promoting emotional stability and happiness. Engaging in s*x releases endorphins and oxytocin, reducing stress and fostering positive feelings. It also improves circulation, boosts immunity, and strengthens pelvic muscles. A healthy s*x life can reduce loneliness and enhance self-esteem. While frequency and types of s*xual activity may change with age, it remains vital for seniors' overall health.
Conclusion
Touch has powerful physical, emotional, and psychological effects on seniors. It can alleviate pain, improve emotional well-being, and reduce stress. For seniors facing physical decline and isolation, touch provides vital support and enhances quality of life. Caregivers, family, and healthcare providers should recognize its importance and incorporate it into care. There are a few things to be mindful of if administering touch as a part of a senior’s therapy:
As we age, our bones become more fragile. Without due care and attention, our well-intended touch could easily hurt a senior.
Sometimes, due to pre-existing conditions, seniors might not be able to feel any possible damage that is being caused by a light touch or massage.
For some seniors, past trauma should also be a consideration, as the well-intended touch could trigger a PTSD response.
It is important to ALWAYS know the senior’s history and to proceed accordingly.
Sometimes, finding the time or the emotional bandwidth required to help a loved one or senior parent in this capacity can be challenging. You can’t be “on” all the time. This is where a Companionship Therapist from Vernon Seniors Care can help. Assisted living in Vernon: call us today for a free evaluation and consultation.
250-308-4156
www.vernonseniors.com
teri.mcgillivray@gmail.com
Research Links
www.achca.org
www.mypremierhomecare.com
www.nature.com
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