It’s February and love is in the air. Or is it? Since Covid-19 we may still be a little leery of touching others — even just a simple handshake could spread bacteria, germs, or viruses. And hugs, have those been brought back? I can tell you I do miss a good hug!
In a 2016 publication for families and caregivers on “Understanding the Effects of Aging on the Sensory System,” our friends at Oklahoma State Extension have this to say about our sense of touch:
“The skin is the largest organ of the body and has millions of nerve endings. People thrive on stimulation through touch; without it, humans often feel a longing or aching. Touching doesn’t have to involve hugging. Just a simple pat on the shoulder or arm can communicate that someone cares. Those caring for older adults can communicate love through the sense of touch by giving a gentle back rub, rubbing lotions to dry skin or brushing the hair. Offering your arm to help someone who may be a bit unsteady walking helps to satisfy the need for touch. Even a pet that might sit on the lap or rub around the legs can fulfill the need for touch. The sense of touch may be the most important of the senses, yet the most neglected. We can survive without sight, hearing, taste, or smell, but without touch, we are at great risk of mental breakdown.”
For the 14.3% of older adults living alone that the State of Nevada Aging and Disability Services Division reported in its Elders Count Nevada 2021 Report, it may mean thinking outside the box. Here are some ideas:
- A friend of mine, who happens to be a nail technician, suggested a gift certificate or provide a hand massage or manicure which is a great way to add a human touch – and a little pampering – to an older adult’s life!
- Offer or gift a hair wash and blow dry or shampoo and shave.
- Give a high five, fist or elbow bump to offer encouragement.
- Place your arm around someone, with their permission, to offer comfort or empathy.
- Watch a movie and share a bowl of popcorn, which is sometimes just close enough to feel the benefits of
the human touch.
- If you have friends, family, and loved ones who are hand holders a good walk while handholding is excellent medicine so to speak and will keep you a little warmer this winter.
Although as we get older love may look different, it is still in the air this February. Embrace how love looks now. Try some creative sensory touch today!
Hugs, holding hands and other physical gestures of affection have the potential to ease our minds, make us feel less isolated, and reduce stress and anxiety. The need for constant touches may fade as we grow older but the feelings certain touches invoke do not.
~ Unknown
Natalie Mazzullo is the Healthy Aging Initiative Coordinator at the University of Nevada, Reno Extension, a unit of the University’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources.
