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Massage for older people: what are the benefits after 65?

Massage for older people, given by a professional with techniques suited to their age, can support circulation, help keep joints stiffened by arthritis mobile, support posture and muscle tone and bring relief from muscle and joint pain. Massage is also a moment of contact, attention and presence, which is precious when sight and hearing weaken. Before starting, always ask your GP for advice, especially with osteoporosis, severe varicose veins or other conditions.

Portrait of Mihail Crigan, sports massage practitioner and owner of Crigan Massaggi

By Mihail Crigan, sports massage practitioner in Turin · Updated on

4,9 out of 5 on Google · 222 reviews
Older man with his head tilted during a neck massage
Illustrative image generated with AI

In brief

This article is for information only. The Crigan Massaggi studio treats adults by appointment; for people over 65 Mihail adapts the pressure and, if there are treatments or conditions, asks for the doctor's go-ahead.

  • After 65, massage, an active lifestyle and functional exercise are a real help against the effects of age.
  • Massage can support circulation, joint mobility, posture, digestion and muscle tone, and ease muscle, joint and rheumatic pain.
  • With osteoporosis, severe varicose veins or other conditions, gentle techniques and the doctor's go-ahead are needed: no deep techniques.
  • Touch remains a channel of communication even when sight, hearing or memory weaken, as in dementia.

In this article

Later life

Why is massage useful after 65 too?

Massage is a gradual manipulation of the body that stimulates its different parts: a very common practice in the world of wellbeing and, in some of its forms, also used in healthcare.

There are many types, from therapeutic to sports, holistic or draining massage, often designed for specific groups among which older people rarely appear. Yet it is precisely after 65 that massage, combined with an active lifestyle and functional exercise, can become a real ally against the effects of age.

The value of touch

Why is physical contact so important for an older person?

With ageing the senses gradually weaken, especially sight and hearing. Touch, on the other hand, remains present and is little affected by age: that is why physical contact can help soften the consequences of this loss.

Through contact, a massage gives an older person a moment of attention and presence, dedicated to them alone.

Benefits

What are the benefits of massage for older people?

As well as on a psychological level, massage works above all on a physical one. A well-performed massage can:

Support circulation

It stimulates blood circulation, which helps you feel looser when you move.

Keep joints mobile

It helps preserve the mobility of joints, which are often stiffened by arthritis or rheumatic diseases.

Support posture

It helps maintain good posture.

Ease pain

It can bring relief from rheumatic, muscle and joint pain.

Muscle elasticity and tone

It helps maintain muscle elasticity and tone and, together with physical activity, counter the natural loss of muscle mass that comes with age.

Aid digestion

It can contribute to better digestion.

Varicose veins and water retention

It can be useful with water retention and varicose veins, but only with gentle techniques and the doctor's go-ahead.

General wellbeing

Relaxation and general wellbeing can also indirectly support the body's defences: a help, not a cure.

Performed by an experienced professional and with the consent of your GP, massage can also complement the treatment of some disorders typical of later life, such as arthritis or diseases of the spine. It never replaces prescribed treatment.

Safety

What precautions are needed? Osteoporosis, varicose veins and contraindications

Possible contraindications should always be assessed by your GP, who knows the person's history and current treatments.

With osteoporosis, severe varicose veins or other conditions gentle techniques and the doctor's go-ahead are needed; deep techniques should be avoided.

Each technique also has its own contraindications, listed on the pages for the individual massages. For example:

  • deep tissue massage is not recommended with osteoporosis, heart conditions, venous thrombosis or ongoing anticoagulant therapy;
  • manual lymphatic drainage with tumours or high blood pressure;
  • Ayurvedic massage with fever, scars, capillary fragility, high blood pressure or cardiovascular disorders.

If in doubt, always ask your doctor before booking.

Care homes

Why does massage matter for older people in care homes?

Older people living in nursing or care homes deserve a separate mention. For them, physical contact can help improve physical wellbeing, mood and motivation, and the simple fact of being looked after makes them feel valued.

Massage thus becomes a form of dialogue: the person giving the massage can respectfully convey the pleasant feeling of being welcomed, recognised, helped and supported, especially if they are open and understanding and listen with genuine interest to what the person communicates.

Dementia

Can massage help older people with dementia?

Dementias are among the most common diseases in old age. In these degenerative diseases the person gradually loses contact with their surroundings, until they no longer recognise their loved ones or their own environment, and speaking and understanding words also become more and more difficult.

The channel of touch, however, stays open. Massage can be used not only to support functional rehabilitation, but also as a form of sensory communication, always in agreement with the doctor and with the person's carers.

The source cited

A study by Rowe and Alfred, published in 1999 in the Journal of Gerontological Nursing, assessed a slow-stroke massage given by people caring at home for someone with Alzheimer's disease: some physical expressions of agitation improved, such as pacing up and down, but not the verbal ones.

Read the study abstract on PubMed
Mihail Crigan, sports massage practitioner at the Crigan Massaggi studio in Turin

Mihail Crigan's view

Sports massage practitioner, DIABASI® diploma

Which massage does Mihail Crigan recommend for an older person?

With an older person the watchword is gentleness: gradual, never painful techniques, after the go-ahead from the GP, who also helps choose the technique according to any contraindications. Every session at Crigan Massaggi begins by listening to the person's complaint and habits; if a more accurate assessment is needed, a consultation with a physiotherapist and a physiatrist is possible, thanks to the collaboration with Dr Oriano Casamenti of STUDIO RONEFOR.

Ayurvedic massagePainless techniques, for people with a low pain threshold or who often feel the cold. Manual lymphatic drainageSlow, shallow techniques for water retention and swelling. Neck massageFor a stiff neck, with an intensity adapted to the person.

Crigan Massaggi sees clients by appointment at Via Monginevro 76/F, 10141 Turin (TO): 60 minutes cost 60 € and the length can be agreed. For a course of several sessions there is the 10-massage package at 50 € per session.

Call +39 334 858 8535 Write from the contact page

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about massage for older people

What is massage for older people good for?

Massage for older people can support circulation, help keep joints stiffened by arthritis or rheumatic diseases mobile, support posture and muscle tone and bring relief from muscle, joint and rheumatic pain. It also offers a moment of contact and attention, which is precious when sight and hearing weaken.

Does massage for older people have contraindications?

Yes, and they should always be assessed with your GP. With osteoporosis, severe varicose veins or other conditions, gentle techniques and the doctor's go-ahead are needed; deep techniques should be avoided. Some techniques are not recommended, for example, with heart conditions, venous thrombosis, anticoagulant therapy or high blood pressure.

Can massage help an older person with dementia?

With dementia the person gradually loses contact with their surroundings and with words, but the channel of touch stays open: massage can become a form of sensory communication, to be agreed with the doctor and with the person's carers. A 1999 study of people with Alzheimer's found that a slow-stroke massage reduced physical agitation but not verbal agitation.

Which massage is best for an older person?

It depends on the person and on the doctor's opinion, but gentle, painless techniques are generally chosen. At Crigan Massaggi, for example, Ayurvedic massage is designed for people with a low pain threshold and manual lymphatic drainage for water retention, always taking their respective contraindications into account.

How much does a massage for an older person cost in Turin at Crigan Massaggi?

At Crigan Massaggi, at Via Monginevro 76/F in Turin, every massage costs 60 € for a 60-minute session, by appointment on +39 334 858 8535; the length can be agreed. With the 10-massage package each session costs 50 €.

Google reviews

4,9 / 5

average of 222 reviews

What do Crigan Massaggi's clients say?

On Google, Crigan Massaggi in Turin has an average of 4,9 out of 5 from 222 reviews. They are public and can be read on the studio listing before you book.

Read reviews on Google

By appointment

A massage for you or your parents in Turin?

Crigan Massaggi, Via Monginevro 76/F: 60 minutes for 60 €, by appointment. Before the session, ask your GP for advice.

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