Health Spas for Seniors

With almost 40 million people in the United States already over 65 and a large group of baby boomers rapidly approaching their senior years, spas have begun to recognize that this a category of customers they have long neglected. More and more seniors are learning to take advantage of the services provided by health spas, and the spas are beginning to reach out to them.

History

At one time, spas were places where people went to lose weight. They were generally quite expensive. Some spas offered additional New Age experiences, such as tarot-card readings or aromatherapy. Today, spas are taking a larger world view about what services to provide. They generally focus on teaching people health and fitness skills they can continue to use once they have left the facility. Seniors, perhaps more than any other group, can benefit greatly from the focus on their own particular health and fitness needs.

Types

In determining which health spa to visit, you first have to decide what kind of experience you are seeking. It is often advisable to begin by visiting a day health spa, close to home. This will provide you with an initial taste of what kinds of experiences can be had at the spa. After that initial visit, decide where you wish to go if visiting a destination spa, as well as how much money you want to spend. Some spas are spartan and inexpensive, while others are quite costly. Different spas have different agendas. Some may focus more on physical health, while others balance mind and body well being. Still others will help seniors learn more about healthy nutrition.

Features

While most spas offer massage therapy, seniors often seek out spas that offer both variety in their massage therapies and reasonable charges for the massages. Because people become less flexible with age and often experience less mobility and flexibility, and some seniors experience painful arthritis, the massages designed especially for seniors tend to address these problems. Therapeutic massage can resolve some issues at least as well as medication, if not better. For seniors with diabetes, massage can improve circulation and relieve pain.

Considerations

Seniors should do the necessary research to ensure that their individual needs and desires will be met during a health-spa visit, regardless of the type of spa. It is important to determine that the spa you are planning to visit meets all standards and safety practices of the industry. Often, reduced rates are available for seniors. Some spas dedicate special days of the week or times of the year to seniors, with the intent of providing a quieter, calmer environment in which common senior issues can be highlighted. Seniors should determine the quality of the medical staff if there are particular medical needs that must be addressed. Most spas require potential clients to fill out a health questionnaire thoroughly and honestly. Medication can affect certain treatments, so it is important to list all medications and special requirements on the form.

Benefits

Many seniors report an increased feeling of well-being after a visit to a spa. Often, new learning has taken place. Some seniors will learn healthier ways of eating, others may learn healthy exercise routines they can continue at home, and some will merely bask in the glow of the relaxation and pampering they have experienced.