I recently took part in two levels of workshops from the Daybreak Geriatric Massage Institute. I am so excited to be working with this new population of clients and will be starting in the next month or so.  Geriatric massage is a modality that focuses on seniors ages 65 and older. Sessions are an average of 30 minutes but can be longer for more "robust" seniors. A more robust senior is treated like any other middle-aged individual with careful attention paid to his or her medical history form prior to the session in case of any contraindications.
 
Geriatric massage has the expectation of improving an individuals quality of life. It addresses the changes that take place due to aging, e.g. skin changes, muscle and bone differences and certain body differences due to medication use. It increases circulation and stimulates the nervous system. It can relax the mind, ease agitation, and alleviate fear in an aging man or woman.  The session is also geared toward softening any hardened muscle and connective tissue.

Massage for this population is important because it can really take away that sense of loneliness that may come along with aging.  Many people are very touch deprived at this point in their lives and massage can fill that void. I would love to be the person in someone's life filling this void and giving a person the affection and positive skin-to-skin contact that is so very important, yet lacking. I cannot wait to get started!
 
This season, will you or a friend or a family member benefit from a geriatric massage?  Think about how wonderful this gift of touch could be for someone in your life.  It is a gift that encourages feelings of worthiness and well-being, love and support. Think about how a weekly or monthly massage can change this person's life.  It is difficult to find a gift much better than that?