Why offer massage to the elderly?
With age, the body becomes fragile: chronic pain, muscle stiffness, sleep disorders, anxiety, social isolation, etc.
Massage, with its tactile, human, and restorative dimension, offers a comprehensive response to these various ailments. Far from being a luxury, it is now recognized as a supportive treatment, beneficial both physically and psychologically.
Massage allows you to recreate a deep connection with yourself, to find bodily comfort, while providing a moment of calm, serenity and presence.
At home or in an institution, it offers personalized, gentle support, adapted to the pace and state of health of each senior.
Physiological benefits
- Chronic pain relief : massage helps to soothe pain linked to osteoarthritis, muscle contractures or lower back pain (1).
- Improved blood circulation : by stimulating the tissues, it promotes oxygenation and nutrition of the cells, while activating lymphatic circulation (2).
- Mobility and flexibility : gentle techniques help maintain joint range of motion and relax stiff muscles (3).
- Deeper, more restful sleep : by lowering stress levels, massage promotes sleep and limits nighttime awakenings (4).
- Beneficial effects on digestion and respiration : certain movements stimulate intestinal transit or clear the rib cage (5).
Psychological and cognitive effects
- Reduction of anxiety : massage promotes the secretion of endorphins and reduces stress hormones, providing mental relief (6).
- Improved mood : it can help combat mild depressive symptoms or those related to isolation (7).
- Relief of behavioral disorders : in people with dementia, touch helps reduce agitation and aggression (8).
- Strengthened human connection : massage restores a caring contact, essential for seniors who have lost their bearings or social ties (9).
Precautions and appropriate techniques
- Preliminary assessment : each session takes into account the state of health, treatments, mobility and possible contraindications.
- Gentle and gradual movements : we favor effleurage, sliding pressure, light kneading and passive mobilizations.
- Skin protection : use of gentle oils or creams, respect for fragile areas, absence of aggressive friction.
- Adapted positioning : massage in a chair, on the back or in a side position depending on ability, without forcing.
- Adjusted session duration : 20 to 45 minutes are enough, with a slow and gentle pace.
Massage for seniors in establishments or at home
• In nursing homes or geriatric hospitals, massage is increasingly used as a non-drug tool in the management of anxiety, pain or cognitive disorders.
• At home, it helps maintain a human connection, improve daily comfort, and support the elderly person's ability to remain at home.
• Numerous clinical studies validate these practices, and some establishments now integrate them into individualized care plans.
References and quality of care
Trained in massage and osteopathy, I offer rigorous care, driven by a constant demand for quality and an attentive presence.
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References
1. Romanowski, Mateusz & Romanowska, Joanna & Grześkowiak, Marcin. (2012). A comparison of the effects of deep tissue massage and therapeutic massage on chronic low back pain. Studies in health technology and informatics. 176. 411-4. 10.3233/978-1-61499-067-3-411.
2. Utli, H. (2022). Effects of Massage Therapy on Clinical Symptoms of Older People. J Educ Res Nurs, 19(1), 103-107. https://doi.org/10.5152/jern.2021.09327.
3. Yeun YR. Effectiveness of massage therapy on the range of motion of the shoulder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Phys Ther Sci. 2017 Feb;29(2):365-369. doi:10.1589/jpts.29.365. Epub 2017 Feb 24. PMID: 28265175; PMCID: PMC5333006.
4. Balci, Reva & Akın, Gülnur & Ay, Emrah. (2022). The Effect of Back Massage on Sleep Quality: A Systematic Review. Kafkas Journal of Medical Sciences. 12. 179-184. 10.5505/kjms.2022.25932.
5. Yuan Q, Wang X, Zhou L, Li C, Lu Q, Wang H, Luo J. Abdominal massage for chronic constipation in the elderly: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol. BMJ Open. 2024 Jan 22;14(1):e074780. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074780. PMID: 38262653; PMCID: PMC10806723.
6. Sharpe PA, Williams HG, Granner ML, Hussey JR. A randomized study of the effects of massage therapy compared to guided relaxation on well-being and stress perception among older adults. Ther Med supplement. 2007 Sep;15(3):157-63. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2007.01.004. Epub 2007 Feb 20. PMID: 17709060.
7. Nakano H, Kodama T, Ueda T, Mori I, Tani T, Murata S. Effect of Hand and Foot Massage Therapy on Psychological Factors and EEG Activity in Elderly People Requiring Long-Term Care: A Randomized Cross-Over Study. Brain Sci. 2019 Mar 4;9(3):54. doi:10.3390/brainsci9030054. PMID: 30836612; PMCID: PMC6468439.
8. Liu X, Zang L, Lu Q, Zhang Y, Meng Q. Effect of Massage and Touch on Agitation in Dementia: A Meta-Analysis. J Clin Nurs. 2025 May;34(5):1948-1964. doi: 10.1111/jocn.17674. Epub 2025 Feb 4. PMID: 39902611.
9. McFeeters S, Pront L, Cuthbertson L, King L. Massage, a complementary therapy effectively promoting the health and well-being of older people in residential care settings: a review of the literature. Int J Older People Nurs. 2016 Dec;11(4):266-283. doi:10.1111/opn.12115. Epub 2016 Feb 15. PMID: 26875503.