Floating, or floatation therapy, harnesses the power of the relaxing properties of magnesium and the calming effects of being in a quiet, near-zero gravity enivornement. While anyone can benefit from floating, there are specific benefits of floating for people over 60.
Vague aches and pain, chronic joint pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances are among the most common complaints among older adults. All of these frequent physical complaints affect over a quarter of people over the age of 65. Float therapy can significantly help reduce and manage these symptoms to offer an alternative and no-medication approach to treat these symptoms.
Most importantly, floating offers a safe environment that prevents injury and muscle or joint strain while providing extensive long-term remedies for senior adults. If you or a family member has trouble with pain or sleep disturbances, keep reading to learn how floating can help.
1. Improves Circulation
Poor circulation is a common symptom for senior adults, which can cause pain, tingling, and numbing of the hands and feet. Floatation helps improve circulation by promoting blood flow throughout the body.
By stimulating blood flow, oxygen gets to travel to vital systems and aid in the removal of toxins to help loosen stiff muscles, reduce muscle pain, and prevent the formation of blood clogs.
2. Helps Manage Chronic Pain
Many studies tie floatation therapy with significant relief from physical pain. Research shows that floating can help reduce pain, stress-related muscle aches, and even the anxiety accompanying these symptoms.
It’s also known to help reduce stress-related headaches, neck and back pain, particularly common among older adults.
3. Relieves Arthritis and Joint Pain
Over 52.5 million adults in the United States have arthritis or another rheumatic condition. Of those, 49.7% are senior adults over 65. Float therapy has been proven to benefit two of the most common types of arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Both conditions result in stiffness, pain, and restriction on mobility.
Floatation therapy can increase strength and range of motion, improve pain, and address the dress and anxiety that often accompany both conditions.
4. Fights Stress
Floatation therapy tackles stress in two different ways. First, the water’s rich magnesium content inhibits stress-related hormones while improving sleep quality and promoting a more calm state of mind. Second, the sensory deprivation component of floating has been proven to reduce stress levels.
Also, floating promotes feelings of relaxation, energy and reduces stress-related pain, all benefits that can address stress, depression, and anxiety.
5. Improves Sleep
Sleep difficulties are prevalent among older adults. Widespread pain, lower levels of growth hormone, and less melatonin all play a significant role in reducing sleep quality for seniors.
Patients who try floatation therapy experience a significant drop in pain sensitivity, reduction in stress, and improved relaxation. Over time, most patients report improved sleep and overall better sleep quality.
6. Supports Exercise Recovery
While the benefits of floating for exercise recovery are often tied to younger athletes, it can also be beneficial for senior adults. A one-hour float session can significantly reduce pain perception, lower blood lactate levels, and help people recover more quickly.
Not to mention, float therapy is a safe and no-impact alternative to exercise or physical therapy. By incorporating floating into their exercise routine, senior adults can recover faster and reduce their risk of dealing with pain,muscle aches and injuries.
7. Promotes Creativity and Cognitive Function
Floatation therapy isn’t just about treating physical conditions and symptoms. Senior adults should also care for their cognitive health. Research shows that the reduction in tension and stress, plus the uptick in energy that floatation therapy provides, can result in a creativity boost that promotes cognitive function and well-being.
According to the studies, floating regularly can promote creativity, as well as improve performance-based cognitive functioning. And, although there are no links yet, some scientists believe this could help individuals with dementia and memory disorders.
Float Therapy for Seniors
Floatation therapy for seniors is a safe, effective, and non-invasive therapy to promote overall wellness and treat conditions such as chronic pain, insomnia, and anxiety. At Float8, we ensure floating is safe and comfortable, especially for our older clients. During your first session, a member of our team will be with you every step of the way to ensure you are okay and comfortable.
To get started, book your first float today and discover the benefits of floating for people over 60 yourself.
Hello FLOAT8. Thank you for sharing the benefits of floating for folks over 60. Are there any specials for over 60yos? Reduction due to level of income? Incentives ($$ off) for elder floaters? I have many friends over 60 that I could share with. I love floating. I will be coming again soon. Be sure to send specials. Sincerely, Grace Hamilton P.S. Have the covid restrictions for relaxing in the float space been lifted? I love having tea and drawing and reading in your peaceful float space after my float and shower.
Hey Grace, thanks to your comment here, we have implemented a senior discount. You can now float for 60-minutes for just $50 if you are over the age of 60.