6 Ways a Visit to the Spa is Beneficial for Seniors

Let’s face it, almost everyone can benefit from some time spent in the spa. Common issues like insomnia, aches and pains, and changes in skin condition can be improved with the right treatment. Here are some of the ways a spa experience can boost your health and wellness.

1. Elevate Your Mood and Ease Anxiety
   It’s no surprise that spas are havens of relaxation. The soothing scents, music, and environment all work together to put you at ease, which can lower your heart rate and blood pressure. In fact, a relaxing massage can calm the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for elevating blood pressure. It has also been shown to reduce the unhealthy buildup of cortisol, also known as the “stress hormone,” in the body. This is important because high levels of cortisol in seniors have been associated with an increased risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It’s no wonder paying a visit to the spa is the ultimate self-care.
2. Relieve Aches and Pain
   Although aches and pains are often thought to be a part of the natural aging process, massage therapy can do much to reduce the pain and stiffness that comes with osteoarthritis. Research reveals that seniors who incorporate massage as part of their treatment experience less pain and stiffness and improve their physical function over the course of a few months.
3. Help Achieve Fitness Goals
   Thanks to medical advances, healthy eating, and more, today’s seniors are living longer and expect their bodies to keep up. Regular massage therapy can help you maintain an active lifestyle by helping you to stay fit. It addresses the effects of routine movements and scar tissue buildup on biomechanics, and it works to improve flexibility and range of motion.
4. Improve Skin
   As we age, our skin undergoes various changes. In fact, there is actually an emerging category of skincare designed specifically for post-menopausal skin. Mature skin produces less collagen and elastin, and it takes longer to heal. It also becomes more transparent, as the epidermis begins to thin. If that wasn’t enough, certain health conditions can exacerbate the issue. For example, diabetes and kidney disease can cause dry skin, and certain medications may make skin feel itchy. Fortunately, facials for mature and sensitive skin are designed to treat many of these issues while infusing the skin with soothing hydration. As an added bonus, a comforting facial is a relaxing way to spend an hour or two.
5. Enhance Sleep
   According to the Sleep Foundation, it’s not uncommon for seniors to experience changes in the quality and duration of their sleep. This can be caused by a change in the production of hormones, such as melatonin. As the body ages, it produces less melatonin, which is responsible for coordinating the body’s circadian rhythms. Sleep issues can also be the result of side effects from certain medications. Fortunately, a sleep-enhancing massage can help. The
   National Institutes of Health reports that massage therapy can reduce fatigue and improve sleep. It also helps boost the body’s production of serotonin, which is a pre-cursor to melatonin. More importantly, a calming massage before bedtime can put the body in a relaxed state, preparing it for a good night’s sleep.
6. Promote Healing and Connection
   The healing power of human touch is a hallmark of most spas. With a host of healing hands-on treatments, the spa is the perfect place to experience a feeling of care and connection. From facials to massages, human touch can trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with empathy and trust. Known as the “love hormone,” it reduces blood pressure, decreases cortisol levels, stimulates positive social interactions, and promotes growth and healing. We all understand the healing power of a hug; a hands-on treatment can provide a similar sense of healing and connection.