Baby Boomers, or those 65 years and older, are becoming the largest population on our planet. As these Baby Boomers age, there comes many unique changes in the human body, some of which are specific to each individual. Injuries occurring from falls  are one of the most serious issues facing the eldest sector of these Baby Boomers. And then there is a concern that because some of their lifestyles are not as healthy as they could be, the health industry is intent on trying to define and create a wellness regimen for the maturing Baby Boomer.

As people become more sedentary because of different health issues, often their core strength can be adversely affected. During the aging process, muscles effecting balance can be neglected due to imbalance or misuse and can become weak and tight. I have found that  Massage therapy not only helps bring back circulation  to those muscles, if we also combine non strenuous exercise and some weight training, we can strengthen these muscles. This also  but helps restore balance  while also increasing mobility, flexibility and reducing minor joint aches and pains.

Massage therapy has been proven to feed the nervous system through touch as it stimulates muscle tissue into being active which affects the nervous system directly. This in turn enhances overall balance and stability as the systems responsible for balancing the frame are awakened. The nerves of the body are contacted on a cellular level which in turn reduces inflammation, which affects the body’s reaction to pain. In the case of Osteoporosis, a weekly one hour massage has been clinically proven to decrease pain.

Emotionally, the touch of massage aids in elevating and balancing one’s mood and emotional health while boosting the immune system. Whether whole body or just hands and feet, massage therapy has stood the test of time in feeding and nourishing what the human body needs… and is hungry for.

Valentina Boonstra