Human Touch and Seniors
The Silent Epidemic of Touch Deprivation in Seniors
In a world where we often take touch for granted, we increasingly see a problem arise among the elderly that many people do not know: a lack of physical contact. As we get older, we may find ourselves more alone. This can happen due to the loss of a partner, by family who lives far away or by living in a care facility. For many seniors, this lack of touch is a major problem, with serious consequences for their health and well-being.
What is touch deprivation?
Human touch and seniors
Touch deprivation, also known as skin hunger, occurs when a person has little to no physical contact for an extended period of time. Older people often have to deal with this. This can be due to various reasons, such as the loss of a partner, the lack of social contact or because they are less mobile and therefore have less contact with others.
The power of touch
Human touch and seniors
From the moment we are born, we all have a need for touch. It’s a way to show that we care. Just think of a hug, a hand on your shoulder or holding a hand. This gives a sense of security, love and belonging. This is especially important for the elderly. A touch makes them feel less alone and they know that they are cared for.
What are the consequences of a lack of touch?
Human touch and seniors
If older people experience little or no physical contact, this can have consequences for their health in various ways. Both physical and mental complaints can arise.
1. Physical complaints
Research shows that a lack of touch can lead to increased stress, higher blood pressure, and a poorer immune system. It can also cause existing health problems, such as pain, to get worse. Physical contact can help to relieve pain and improve the progress of chronic conditions.
2. Mental & emotional complaints
In addition to physical complaints, a lack of touch can also weigh heavily on the mind. Older people may feel lonelier, more anxious, and even fall into depression. Touch causes our body to produce oxytocin, also known as the 'cuddle hormone'. This hormone helps us to feel happy and relaxed. When there is no more touch, oxytocin levels drop, which can cause a more negative feeling and a greater risk of mental health problems.
How can we tackle touch deprivation?
Human touch and seniors
It’s important to recognize that a lack of touch is a major problem for the elderly. Fortunately, there are several ways we can address this and ensure that older people get enough physical contact.
1. Encourage more physical contact
Family members, friends and caregivers play an important role in this. A simple gesture such as holding a hand, a hug or a pat on the back can make a world of difference. These kinds of small touches make the elderly feel that they are not alone and that they are being cared for.
2. Professional help
Healthcare professionals can also help to integrate more touch into daily care. Consider, for example, massage therapy. This not only provides the necessary physical contact but can also help to relieve pain and promote relaxation. Caregivers can consciously pay attention to moments of touch in their work, such as a friendly hand on the shoulder during a conversation.
3. Technology & innovation
While technology can never replace a real person, there are new tools that can provide a sense of connection. For example, there are robot pets that respond to touch. For the elderly who do not have visitors or live in a care facility, these aids can provide a sense of comfort. There are also special devices that mimic touch. Although this can never replace real physical contact, it can still provide a sense of presence and security.
The importance of human contact in the care of the elderly
Human touch and seniors
Touch deprivation is a problem that is growing among the elderly. It has a major impact on their physical and mental health, and can lead to loneliness, stress, and even depression. But fortunately, we can do something about this. As a society, we need to become more aware of this problem and look together for ways to support the elderly.
A simple touch can do a lot. It shows that someone has not been forgotten that he or she is cared for, and that that person still matters. We need to make sure that older people don’t feel like they’re on the sidelines, but that they remain part of the community. By encouraging more physical contact, we can improve their quality of life.
What can you do?
Human touch and seniors
Maybe you also know someone who experiences little physical contact. A grandfather, grandmother, neighbor or acquaintance. Try to visit more often and give a hug or simply hold hands. These small gestures can make a world of difference. Even if you work as a volunteer in a healthcare institution, you can consciously pay attention to this.
In addition, it is important that we start a conversation about this topic. Touch is a basic need, just like eating and drinking. It should not be forgotten in the care of the elderly. By talking about this and being aware of the problem, we can take steps together to improve the quality of life of the elderly.
Conclusion
Human touch and seniors
The silent epidemic of touch deprivation among the elderly demands attention. Touch is essential for our well-being, both physically and mentally. For the elderly, it can make the difference between feeling lonely or connected. It is up to all of us to ensure that our elderly receive the warmth and care they deserve. It starts with something small: a touch.
The Importance of Human Touch
Human touch and seniors
This YouTube video is about the importance of human touch for our health and well-being. It delves into the many benefits of physical touch and what it can mean for both our mental and physical health.
Human touch is of great importance from birth. Babies who are touched more often cry less, sleep better, and their brains develop better. Research shows that ten-year-old children, who were held by their mothers a lot as babies, have fewer stress hormones in stressful situations.
As we get older, contact with others decreases. This can affect our health, as touch plays a huge role in our emotional well-being. It not only helps to improve mental health, but also has a positive effect on our body.
For example, some of the benefits of touch include building trust between people. Touch is a form of communication, where you show that you trust someone. It can also create a sense of security and belonging, which reduces feelings of loneliness and boosts your confidence.
In addition, regular touch can reduce stress, which is good for the immune system. In some cases, touch can even promote the production of white blood cells, which strengthens your health and helps protect against disease. It can also lower your blood pressure and heart rate and speed up recovery after illness.
In love relationships, touch is crucial. Happy couples report that they touch each other more often than less happy couples. There is a growing body of research on the benefits of touch, and it’s clear that human touch plays an important role in our mental and physical health.
Some people miss physical touch so much that they go to the doctor, just to be touched.
