Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/557366
"I met her when one of my neighbors, who was her massage client, had a birthday party—I think 75th or 80th—and Pat was giving the guest of honor massages. I said, 'I would love to have a massage.' We set up an appointment and from that day on, every two weeks I get a massage from Pat." ONCE A LUXURY Shapira, who likes to play cards, have dinner with friends, shop a little, and knit a lot, admits that decades ago she considered massage a luxury. It was something she did on occasion. Not until she started spending her winters in Florida with her husband, David, and began receiving massage more frequently did she appreciate the full value of what the work could do. When she returned home to Kentucky, she increased her regimen, and started receiving massage every two weeks. "Now I get them for my health," she says. Not only do the massage oils help with her extremely dry skin, the time Sazy spends on Shapira's legs improves her poor circulation. It also alleviates the pain and weakness she often feels in her extremities. "It's really helped," Shapira says. Sazy, a 30-year practicing MT, says in addition to traditional massage techniques, she has been ending Shapira's sessions with a short reflexology treatment to stimulate her nervous system. "Anne looks forward to this part of her treatment and she gets in a relaxed state of mind," Sazy reports. Massage also has become somewhat of a sleeping aid for the active Shapira, who likes to schedule her massage in the evenings. When her session is over, she puts on her pajamas and settles in for a sound night's sleep. MEDICINE FOR LONGEVITY Always advocating for her therapist's good work, Shapira encourages her neighbors to try massage and feel the benefits. "It's very relaxing, and it's a wonderful way to keep your body in condition," she says. "Hopefully it helps you maintain the ability to walk more confidently, leave your home when you want, and take part in social things." Shapira believes that's what massage has done for her. Not all elderly clients will have the same vigor and vibrancy as Shapira, but this 101-year-old is a good reminder that each "seasoned senior" is as different as the therapist who serves F r e e S O A P n o t e s w i t h M a s s a g e B o o k f o r A B M P m e m b e r s : a b m p . u s / M a s s a g e b o o k 71 them. No one protocol works for every geriatric client: some will need to receive their massage while seated in a chair, others may have diabetes and the foot issues that can accompany that disease, and some may be dealing with the frustration, sadness, and fear that comes with the onset of dementia. Your job as a practitioner is to meet clients where they are, and be present for them. Sazy, who became a massage therapist in 1985 so she could help address her mother's stroke symptoms, says it's important to remember that your role, by default, may include everything from massage therapist to friend to caregiver. Watch your emotional boundaries, but take great pride in knowing that the work you do with elders is making a huge difference in their lives. As for Shapira, she plans to continue receiving massage as part of her health- care plan. "Massage is wonderful and relaxing, and I'll continue to get them as long as I can." Karrie Osborn is senior editor at Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals. Contact her at karrie@abmp.com. 3. Don't underestimate the client. While the bones, joints, and skin tissue of this client tend to be more fragile, still treat them as an adult. They are often more resilient than we give them credit for. 4. Be present. Many elderly clients live alone and crave conversation. Be available and open to simply listen and provide supportive feedback. 5. Educate clients about hydrating skin. Massage provides an opportunity to offer much needed hydration to an elder's drying skin.