Tactile Transitions in Your Aging Parents: Understanding and Addressing Changes in Touch and Proprioception
Hey Friend!
Later in my mother’s life doctor appointments were overwhelming for her so I started going as often as I could.
I remember one visit they were taking Mom’s blood pressure and she grimaced in pain saying the cuff really hurt. The tech reassured her that she would be done in just a minute but it was obvious my mother was in severe pain.
I held her hand, told her to breathe with me which helped but it got me thinking….
Does something happen with the sense of touch as a person ages?
YEP it does!
There is a common link between proprioception and aging. I began taking notice of various changes in my mother and asking my clients about their observations. I was curious about their sensitivity to touch but also anything out of their aging parents' usual norm because the senses are often integrated and can impact other areas.
The most common observations noticed in their elderly parents were….
sensitivity to heat or cold
complaints that they were being hugged too hard
more difficulty opening containers
challenges with fine motor tasks like buttoning buttons
general unsteadiness
poor balance
Have you noticed too?
Generally when someone asks you how many senses there are we reply “5” but in actuality there are a few more secondary senses that are not usually talked about.
One of those is proprioception which is basically the body awareness sense. (Click here for a deep dive about proprioception)
The sense of touch and the “sixth sense” proprioception often work in tandem. Proprioception includes the force of effort and the receptors involved are located on the skin, muscles and joints.
WOW!
So if your parent has changes in their sense of touch they could ultimately have changes in their sense of balance?
So if skin is the receptor of touch and proprioception they could be misreading hot/cold temperatures and light/hard touch?
YES! YES! YES!
There are many more strategies and information about this topic but here are the top 3 tips to support your aging parents as their sense of touch and proprioception decline. Looking for more on sensory issues in aging adults? Keep Reading!
Encourage exercises such as strength training, yoga and tai chi
Provide activities that include textured materials, massage and warm baths
Ask specific questions about their physical comfort or discomfort
I’ve always found it fascinating to learn about the changes that happen as our parents age. In addition to a change in the way our aging parents sense things as they age, they may also start to act differently. It’s all because of the brain!
You can learn more about basic brain science with my FREE resource “Cracking the Code: Brain Science Tips for Caregivers” if you would like to improve the communication between you and your loved ones.
Keep reading for more about what adult children of aging parents can do to be sensitive to the changes in their parents sense of touch and proprioception.
Interested in the how vision, hearing, taste and smell are impacted as people age?
Check out these blogs:
Caring for aging parents requires a thoughtful and considerate approach, especially when it comes to changes in their sense of touch and proprioception. Here are some practical and sensitive ways adult children can support their aging parents:
Regular Check-ins:
Schedule regular check-ins to assess your parents' well-being. Ask specific questions about their physical comfort, any pain or discomfort they may be feeling, and their experiences with mobility. This ongoing communication can help you stay attuned to their changing needs and will make them feel heard and understood.
Attend Medical Appointments:
Go with your parents to ensure that their doctors are aware of any sensory changes. Discuss these changes with them and seek their advice on any interventions or therapies that could address specific issues.
Encourage Regular Exercise:
Support your parents in maintaining a regular exercise routine. Activities that focus on balance, flexibility, and strength can contribute to better proprioception and overall physical well-being. Joining them in activities like walking or gentle exercises. The personal connection with you might make them more motivated to do it
Provide Tactile Stimulation:
Offer experiences that provide gentle tactile stimulation. This can include activities like giving massages, using textured materials, or incorporating soft fabrics into their living space. These sensory interactions can contribute to their overall well-being and comfort.
Encourage Mind-Body Practices:
Introduce your parents to mind-body practices like meditation or gentle yoga. These practices can improve body awareness, promote relaxation, and enhance mindfulness, contributing to a heightened sense of touch and proprioception.
Respect Their Autonomy:
While providing support, always respect your parents' autonomy. Allow them to express their preferences and be actively involved in decisions related to their care. This approach fosters a sense of empowerment and preserves their dignity.
By adopting a sensitive and proactive approach, adult children can create a supportive environment that acknowledges and addresses the changes in their parents' sense of touch and proprioception, enhancing their overall quality of life.
Need more support as an overwhelmed child of an aging parent?
Read about the One-Eighty Group Program and join the waitlist
Read More Here👇
Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions,
Edla
NOTE: It's important to remember that aging is a highly individualized process, and the timing and progression of these stages can vary among individuals. Additionally, lifestyle factors, genetics, and overall health play significant roles in how individuals experience aging.
