If you are an aging individual or have a senior under your care, you must know how much the elderly like a good massage. Moreover, a massage is a good way to relieve the aches and pains that come with old age. However, not everyone has the luxury of visiting a spa or getting a massage regularly. For such people, an at-home massage chair is an ideal alternative. A massage chair offers on-demand massage and is also very convenient to have.
Even the most basic 2D massage chair can be a good investment if you have a few hundred bucks to spare. To some, a massage chair might appear to be an extravagant and unnecessary purchase, but the health benefits improve the overall holistic health of the elderly in the long run. For example, regular massage sessions on a massage chair help improve flexibility, reduce perceived stress, and relieve chronic muscle tension.
The best part is that elderly don’t need to step out of their home to get one. They can simply head to an online massage chair store that sells everything from basic massage chairs to high-end flagship chairs from top brands. The massage chair will be delivered to the doorstep, fully assembled. All that you need to do is get the chair placed in the spot where you want it.
However, since a massage chair requires a considerable investment, you might have a few questions before you jump the gun. Here we have tried to answer some of the most common questions one might have while buying a massage chair for the elderly.
What Is the Best Massage Chair for the Elderly?
Picking the best massage chair for the elderly is not about finding the most affordable one. Instead, it's about finding the one that works for the user, is safe to use, and is comfortable. You must consider the conditions and health issues that the elderly might have.
Seniors with certain health conditions like heart issues, hypertension, and osteoporosis must avoid massage chairs. Others may need to use a massage chair with a gentle setting only. It’s best to consult your doctor once before purchasing a massage chair.
Before buying a massage chair, consider the pain you are trying to get rid of. Ensure that whatever pain you have— be it lower back, neck, or whole-body—ensure that the massage chair you select works well for that purpose. It’s recommended to try the massage chair before buying to see if it fits your body, has perfect settings, and is easy to use.
Is Massage Good for the Elderly?
As the human body grows old, it starts slowing down and experiencing pain and stiffness that comes from aging. It might get difficult to get involved in all physical activities due to arthritis or other age-related ailments. Massage therapy for seniors has been proven to be an effective and non-invasive way to help reduce some of the age-related symptoms.
With regular massage sessions, the elderly can experience an improvement in the quality of life, boost energy levels, and feel healthier overall. Massage therapy offers multiple benefits to the whole body. For starters, it helps ease joint and muscle pain to improve mobility. Additionally, it also reduces the increased stress level that comes with age.
The massage techniques used for seniors use gentle and light stroking as well as pressure application on specific points on the body. Even the most gentle massage has been proven to positively affect the nervous system and blood circulation in the body. To wit, these are the two most vulnerable systems in the body to feel the effect of aging.
Can the Elderly End up Using a Massage Chair Too Much?
Buying a massage chair for personal use in the comfort of your home or office is an ultimate luxury. The elderly will benefit from the massage chairs' endless health benefits. However, to maximize the benefit offered, they must use the massage chair in the way prescribed by their doctor or manufacturer of the chair.
The excessive use of the massage chair has been associated with bruised tissues, muscular damage, and inflammation. Therefore, one must use the massage chair in moderation. The elderly are advised to use the massage chair a maximum of four times a week. Moreover, to get the best out of the massage session, they should be limited to 15 minutes max.
It might be tempting to sit in it all day when you own a massage chair, but it can be dangerous. The physical condition that you are in will determine the frequency and duration of the massage.
Do Massage Chairs Have Medical Benefits for the Elderly?
Yes, massage chairs have proven health benefits for seniors. The biggest potential health benefit is that it might help your muscles become more flexible. With age, the muscles lose their elasticity, and as a result, we lose flexibility. Massage chairs might help you get back the lost flexibility.
Other important medical benefits are reduced muscle tension, improved muscle recovery, elimination of lactic acid after a workout, and improved toxin elimination. Also, using a massage chair has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety.
What Is a Chair-Assisted Massage?
The chair-assisted massage is the massage provided by the modern-day massage chairs available in the market. These massage chairs are fitted with rollers that move all along the back of the user to knead, tap, and press the knots to get rid of them. Additionally, the modern massage chairs feature massage techniques inspired by actual hand massage techniques by professionals. You get various pre-programmed massage modes, like deep tissue, shiatsu, airbag, and more.
A chair-assisted massage is a 15-20 minute massage that focuses on the torso, neck, arms, and head. If you get a more advanced chair, you will be able to enjoy leg and foot massages as well. A chair-assisted massage is designed to relax stiff muscles and improve flexibility and body movement.
By now, we are certain that you know all there’s to know before buying a massage chair for the elderly. In a nutshell, consult the doctor, try the massage chair before buying, and stick to the recommended massage duration as well as frequency to enjoy the health benefits on offer.
