A connection with the body, mind, and spirit is what holistic health is all about, and it's available to people of every age, especially the elderly. The approach may be a bit different as you age, but good holistic care focuses on one's longevity as well as maintaining independence and overall wellness.
The experts are weighing in and offering their favourite holistic care practices for mature individuals. Image Source: Pexels
1. Music Therapy
It's no secret that music can affect people of all ages, and when it comes to the elderly engaging in music therapy, the results can be quite impressive. For example, studies have shown that music can target the areas of the brain that pertain to cognitive function.
In other words, music increases blood flow to the brain with its amazing sounds and vibrations. This, in turn, can help with a senior citizen's ability to speak and think clearly. Music therapy can be especially helpful to those with dementia.
2. Human Touch
Here's another aspect of holistic care that is extremely important to elderly individuals. It's the power of the human touch, and every person on the planet thrives on this feeling, but often, older individuals can miss out on the value and healing of a kind and caring hand.
That is why touch and memory care can offer not only compassion but an excellent form of therapy. According to The Moments, a unique provider of senior living environments, people with Alzheimer's and dementia are given a variety of objects that provide tactile stimulation for therapy and memory exercise.
3. Aromatherapy
Using scent is another key way of tapping into holistic health for mature individuals. Essential oils not only smell divine, but these incredible aromas also enhance the olfactory nerve that can waken memory, boost one's mood and even control emotion.
Lavender is a popular essential oil that is helpful to the elderly. The oil can be massaged into the skin or sprayed on bed linens or even inhaled. Its benefits can calm emotions, ease depression, anger and irritability as well help one fall asleep.
4. Pet Therapy
Who could resist an adorable dog, cat, or even a pony spending time with you, right? Pet therapy or Animal Assisted Therapy uses animals to help seniors improve their quality of life. These wonderful, loving creatures bring comfort to people, help them forget pain, depression, and anxiety, and allow seniors to feel safe and accepted. Pet therapy provides beneficial bonding for elderly people.
5. Massage Therapy
Every human body experiences stress at some point in one's life, and the elderly are no exception. In fact, massage therapy is another holistic care practice worth considering.
Massage feels great and is a versatile therapy. It increases blood flow to the limbs. It improves balance and walking, helps soften the muscles and tissues, increases flexibility, eases stroke recovery, improves sleep, and a lot more.
6. Colour Therapy
Every colour gives out some sort of energy. You see it outdoors in nature, but how about one's indoor space? Here is where colour therapy can also create a sense of health and wellness for senior citizens. The right hue can evoke emotion and mood.
For instance, the shade of blue is often seen in many spas and bathrooms because of its calmness. Colour therapy can help mature individuals feel safe and happy in their living environments, and colours can be changed up to match the seasons.
7. Counselling
Senior counselling is a form of holistic care that can benefit a mature person in a number of significant ways. Therapists can help seniors find new sources of purpose and meaning, how to live fully and enjoy life, etc. Counselling for older people can help increase confidence, self-esteem, and optimism.
It's never too late to improve your mental, emotional and physical health, and there are many therapists who specialise in working with seniors. It's a very good way to bond with someone and combat loneliness.
Closing Thoughts
Maintaining your dignity and feeling valued and respected is something every individual in the universe hopes for, and elderly people are no different. These are exceptional holistic care practices seniors can try for a full, meaningful life.
