We must never underestimate the power of touch, whether it's a gentle holding of the hand, massaging of feet, a warm hug, or gentle rubbing of the arm or back. Over the past year and a half, many have felt the absence of this important connection as they were separated from family and loved ones. Touch deprivation in old age is especially a reality for persons living with dementia, medically frail older adults, and seniors who live alone. We have all heard how touch deprivation can lead to or increase feelings of isolation, anxiety, and insecurity. In addition, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many older adults were observed to have declined in physical and mental health as they went for extended periods without in-person contact with those they love.
Research has shown that human contact and physical touch have been linked to improved outcomes for premature infants and can be just as beneficial to older adults living with dementia. Healing touch can decrease stress, anxiety, and pain in adults and children and support improved mobility in older adults. Despite an older adult’s need for touch and being so receptive to touch, they are often the least likely to receive healing or therapeutic touch from healthcare providers or family members.
Of course, there are trained, licensed practitioners of therapeutic touch working with patients who report feeling warmth, relaxation, and pain relief due to this type of intervention. Healing and therapeutic touch is widely used by nurses to reduce agitation in individuals with dementia in memory care facilities. Many studies have reported beneficial effects of this non-pharmacologic intervention for the treatment of behaviors seen in patients with Alzheimer’s. Therapeutic touch may improve quality of life by helping to decrease stress and anxiety to foster emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Some older adults with dementia display behavioral symptoms, such as vocal outbursts, restlessness, agitation, repetitive questions, wandering, pacing, and physical aggression toward self or others. Touch can be a therapeutic modality to treat these behavioral symptoms as well as create present-moment connection, physical contact, and comfort.
What is the Healing Power of Touch?
Touch therapy works by combatting the underlying causes of touch deprivation. Studies show that touch deprivation in the elderly and dementia patients may lead to a wide range of negative emotions such as:
- Feelings of isolation
- Anxiety
- Insecurity
- Decreased sensory awareness
In implementing the strategies of touch therapy, caregivers are introducing elements of compassion that are recognized by dementia patients and are known to create emotional benefits.
Aside from the potential positive effects on physical and behavioral symptoms, the fact is, there is just no replacement for human contact. Touch is one of our most basic, essential human needs that remains throughout our lifetime. As we experience physical or mental decline due to aging or illness, the need for human touch may be heightened as we seek comfort and connection with others.
So, offering a gentle hug, a touch on the shoulder, back, or arm, or reaching out to hold a hand, is not only a soothing, comforting way to connect with an aging parent or older adult, but it also lets them know they are seen and valued. And ultimately, isn’t that what we all want?