Benefits of Touch in Seniors

​When was the last time you hugged your parents? Some families use a lot of physical expressions of affection, and others do not. Especially now since the pandemic, touch phobia has increased dramatically. Rightfully so in many cases, but now that we are coming to what is hopefully the end of festering infections, do you ever wonder if we will go back to the way things were- touching, hugging, kissing?

We live in a touch-phobic society. Americans, unlike people in some other countries, touch less. Interestingly, Americans prefer 2 to 4 feet of personal space. If you compare that to Latin Americans and Middle Easterners, that’s twice as much. Even before the pandemic, most of us need more human contact than we’re getting.
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Supported by countless studies, physical touch has many benefits If you are caring for someone who is suffering from physical pain, did you know that touch can help lessen pain? It has many other physical and emotional benefits as well. Here are a few:
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• Touch helps to lower blood glucose. If your loved one is diabetic or pre-diabetic, touching them, light massage or hugging can help. Touch helps to slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure. It improves pulmonary function.
• Having a strong immune system is important for both the healthy and unhealthy. Touch, along with a diet rich in antioxidants recommended by your doctor, helps improve immune function to help us stay well.
• Hugs strengthen the immune system, relieve pain and depression, elevate mood, reduce stress, decrease the heart rate, and may help to prevent Parkinson’s. Interestingly, researchers also claim that touch helps to enhance alertness and performance. Even eye contact and a pat on the back from a doctor is said to increase survival rate! As a caregiver these things are important. When a loved one is unwell, they are vulnerable. Touching promotes bonding and increases trust.

 
Pharma-C-Wipes products, especially our wipes and hair care products, are supportive as you touch your loved one. Hygiene, along with the touch that you provide, help them to feel better. Pharma-C-Wipes can help you enhance the quality of life for someone who needs it most. Visit https://www.pharma-c.com/frequently-asked-questions.html and read our FAQs for more detailed information. 

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