How Massage Can Improve Mobility for Older Adults

As we age, deteriorating mobility has a major impact on both quality and length of life. Decreased mobility hampers independence and is harmful to health outcomes. Ultimately, difficulty moving can shorten a person’s lifespan due to isolation, risk of falls, and more difficulty recovering from other health concerns.

When coupled with increasing movement and activity, massage can play a key role in improving mobility for older adults. Massage not only feels wonderful, but it also holds benefits that can help relieve some stress of aging and keep older individuals mobile.

Here’s how massage can impact mobility for older adults — or for anyone!

Increases joint flexibility

Massage brings an increase in temperature to the area massaged, as well as a loosening of soft tissue. This keeps joints flexible and allows a greater range of movement. As injury and arthritis increase with age, keeping joints flexible improves mobility and provides protection against further injury.

Improves posture and balance

Tight muscles can pull posture out of alignment and cause issues with balance. Massage addresses these issues in two ways. First, it loosens tight muscles. Second, massage releases muscle tension and knots, which allows posture to be restored and balance maintained.

Enhances circulation

Normal changes to our circulatory system as we age result in poor circulation. Circulation is an important part of healing and overall health, and boosting circulation is part of keeping the body in top shape. The pressure of massage physically pulls blood into the area and then releases it as the pressure lessens, which increases blood flow and improves circulation.

Relieves chronic pain

One of the often-cited benefits of massage is pain management. Massage can be an integral part of managing chronic pain. In addition to loosening muscles and improving blood flow, massage releases endorphins that lessen the perception of chronic pain.

Encourages relaxation

The release of stress along with the surge of endorphins and other feel-good hormones means massage is a recipe for relaxation. It not only feels great in the moment, but these benefits continue after the massage. Used regularly, massage can be an important part of keeping our mind and bodies relaxed, which ultimately results in easier movement for older adults.

Massage holds benefits at all stages of life. As we age, it can play a key role in setting the stage for improved mobility.