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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Home News Latest Stories New Southern Oregon University board votes to bump tuition nearly 5 percent in the fall Police Reports Schneider Art Museum installation re-imagines Rivera UPDATED: Two lanes open after I-5 truck crash near Siskiyou Summit 10 things to know for Friday Education New Southern Oregon University board votes to bump tuition nearly 5 percent in the fall Why OLLI matters: A personal perspective Southern Oregon University names director of marketing Dianne Williamson: College admissions mania ill-advised Rotary Club of Ashland names Riley O'Sullivan as Student of the Month Environment Mt. Ashland Ski Area to host party March 28 Mt. Ashland hopes coming storm will reopen ski area Wild Side: Selfish and other reasons for saving endangered species Mt. Ashland Ski Area: Low snow closes 'bunny hill' chairlift for beginning skiers With pre-season conditions worst in 25 years, catastrophic wildfires expected in region this summer Business Ride & Drive: 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Snow hopes dashed, Mt. Ashland Ski Area hosts season-ending party Saturday Iconic Ashland bookstore to celebrate 35th anniversary on April 19 Test Drive: 2015 Honda Accord Cars We Remember: The original Candymatic Ramchargers Politics and elections Jackson County Commissioners plan no tax on marijuana for first year Grassroots group campaigns for Plaza paver do-over Arthur I. Cyr: Iran – a crisis without end Short-term rental restrictions kept in some areas, loosened in others Arthur I. Cyr: South Korea represents long-term triumph – for them and for US State News Oregon's governor appoints new secretary of state Nation - World Leonard Nimoy, famous as Mr. Spock on 'Star Trek,' dies Obituaries Death Notices Alicia Applegate Hardy Death Notices Rosalind Dee Death Notices Shareable Sports Latest Stories Grizz baseball team caps Arizona trip with another win Ashland Rowing Club hires highly touted coach and national-award winning team director to lead expansion Antionette Kerr: Tourney fever gets superstitious Blazers fight back, edge Jazz Grizzlies rally past Colorado school for Greenway Festival victory High school Grizz baseball team caps Arizona trip with another win Grizzlies rally past Colorado school for Greenway Festival victory Ashland softball team splits pair in second day of Bend tournament Grizzlies rally past GP, to 2-0 start Ashland boys capture another Sato Cup snowboard title at Mt. Bachelor Southern Oregon University Grizz baseball team caps Arizona trip with another win Grizzlies rally past Colorado school for Greenway Festival victory Ashland softball team splits pair in second day of Bend tournament Ducks enjoy the challenge Oregon bows out Voices Latest Stories Guest Opinion: Ashland council vote on travelers accommodations was less than transparent Herb Rothschild Jr: Failing at charity Philip Maddocks: GOP plan offers hope for poor once they become rich Matthew T. Mangino: A clearer picture of police shootings begins to emerge Letters to the Editor, March 27 Editorial Our View: Build it; they will play Our View: How it should work Our View: Ashland High principal is the head of her class Our View: Tuition trauma Our View: SOU's economic clout Letters Letters to the Editor, March 27 Letters to the Editor, March 25 Letters to the Editor, March 23 Letters to the Editor, March 20 Letters to the Editor, March 19 Guest opinions Guest Opinion: Ashland council vote on travelers accommodations was less than transparent Guest Opinion: Hannah Thomas-Garner's father thanks the Ashland community Guest Opinion: Ashland is asking for trouble with new room rental rules Guest Opinion: More reasons to oppose Jordan Cove Guest Opinion: It's Groundwater Awareness Week; test your well Columns Guest Opinion: Ashland council vote on travelers accommodations was less than transparent Herb Rothschild Jr: Failing at charity Philip Maddocks: GOP plan offers hope for poor once they become rich Matthew T. Mangino: A clearer picture of police shootings begins to emerge Jeffrey Gillespie: Pax Americana? At what price? Chris Honore Council Corner Editor's Notes Jeffrey Gillespie Herb Rothschild Revels Latest Stories Top 5 things to do this week Laurie Lewis and Kathy Kallick pay tribute to Arkansas bluegrass duo Vern Williams and Ray Park The Oregon Shakespeare Festival presents Eugene O'Neill's autobiographical 'Long Day's Journey into Night' Community blog: Words, wine and Craig Wright 4 Things To Do This Week Theater Ticket availability Ticket Availability Ashland Contemporary Theatre seeks new artistic director Ticket Availability The Oregon Shakespeare Festival presents Eugene O'Neill's autobiographical 'Long Day's Journey into Night' Music Futureshock: Kendrick Lamar release points to road ahead Laurie Lewis and Kathy Kallick pay tribute to Arkansas bluegrass duo Vern Williams and Ray Park Album reviews: Recent and recommended for March The Farr Side: New format for ‘American Idol’ as show continues a strong run Improv rock and folk band hosts a dance party at the Ashland Community Center Visual Art Ashland's First Friday Art Walk showcases new exhiits by regional artists Movies Movie review: In ‘Danny Collins,’ Pacino helps us imagine a Lennon story Noah Baumbach talks Ben Stiller, adult comedies and more In 'Timbuktu,' lust for power disturbs peace Movie review: ‘The Gunman’ misses the target Movie listings: March 20-26 Food and Drink Cruelest Month: Poetry Blog Lifestyle Latest Stories Ride & Drive: 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque App Finder: Best barbecue apps Health Watch: It’s OK to have a cheat day Inner Peace: The good, the bad and the spiritual Antionette Kerr: Tourney fever gets superstitious Aging Happens Inner Peace Column Inner Peace Blog Rogues: Tales from the Valley Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » Obituaries Photos Videos Blogs Business Business Services NEWS NOW Ashland Calendar: Saturday, March 28 ... Guest Opinion: Ashland council vote on travelers accommodations was less than transparent ... Herb Rothschild Jr: Failing at charity ... Ashland Calendar: Saturday, March 28 ... Guest Opinion: Ashland council vote on travelers accommodations was less than transparent ... Herb Rothschild Jr: Failing at charity ... AGING HAPPENS Massage therapy benefits aging people Comment By Ellen Waldman For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By Ellen Waldman For the Tidings Posted Feb. 9, 2015 at 12:01 AM By Ellen Waldman For the Tidings Posted Feb. 9, 2015 at 12:01 AM » RELATED CONTENT • Exercise, socialize and stay happier • Aging, romance and sex: It's never too late » Social News Mary and Doris were both in their 80s, diagnosed with dementia, living in an assisted-living facility in Ashland. Both women were married for what I like to admiringly describe as “a million years”, before their husbands passed away. Neither had family nearby and did not have many interactions with others. Overall, Mary fared much better than Doris with regards to her level of overall health and happiness. Could it have been that Mary received massage therapy once a week for over a year and Doris did not? Evidence points to that very possibility. Here’s what we know about some of the benefits of massage for the elderly. These treatments can help enhance blood circulation, combat depression, improve balance, flexibility and posture, reduce the pain of arthritis and increase joint mobility and physical capability. Elderly people often suffer from a variety of age-related diseases, such as Parkinson's, diabetes, heart disease or strokes. Massage can help them maintain and improve their overall health, and possibly regain certain physical functions that have been reduced or lost from aging. For people living with Alzheimer’s disease, massage is a low-risk and relatively low-cost intervention. It can even be easily taught to family caregivers, which may reduce caregiver stress, as well. Particularly with the concern over the long-term side effects associated with many of the medications used to manage behavior in people with Alzheimer's disease, massage is a promising intervention. Massage therapy has also been shown to relieve anxiety, depression and loneliness, and to provide comfort, especially to “touch-deprived” elderly people. This can certainly improve their quality of life. This point is very important. As children, we are frequently touched, held and comforted. When we get older, we are often in the company of friends and loved ones, including partners and spouses, who keep us connected through touch. But once people are older and alone, it’s often the case that no one is being touched. I have to believe that the need for touch does not change; only that access to it becomes diminished or totally absent. "Touch is a natural and therapeutic way of being with the elderly. It is relaxing and healing, and at the same time pleasurable and sacred. Touch and its life-enhancing benefits are too frequently denied the elderly in our culture." writes Mary Ann Finch in her book "Care through Touch." I encourage all of my clients and their families to at least try some form of this therapy. Many people have a friend or family member join them for their first visit to ensure they have a comfortable and relaxing experience. There are so many choices of therapeutic massage. Sometimes, it’s only the hands or feet being treated, and that is also very beneficial. If you’ve lived in Ashland for more than a week, you know there are massage therapists of every variety and modality available here. How fortunate for us, but how do you know what is best for an elderly person, and how would you find the right fit? The Ashland Directory alone has more than 65 practitioners listed. This is a very personal choice and needs to fit the elderly person’s needs. You could start by talking with others you know who have experienced an especially sensitive and licensed massage therapist. Of course, you want to be certain that elder massage is something they have training and experience with, as this is definitely a specialty. Another option is to contact the Ashland Institute of Massage on Hersey St: aimashland.com; 541-482-5134. They have actual training for their students in elder massage. In addition, they have a senior clinic for those 65 and up, held two times a year with a student practitioner, for a very reasonable $25 per session. Most massage therapy fees range from $50 to $90 per hour from an experienced practitioner. The famous entertainer Bob Hope was known to have a massage every day, and had a therapist with him whenever he traveled. He lived to be 100 years old, and his wife to 102. I have to credit the years of massage therapy for at least a portion of his happy longevity. Even if you’re not Bob, you can still enjoy the fruits of receiving massage from time to time. You live in a wonderful town where this is abundantly available. Ellen Waldman is a certified geriatric care manager. Email questions about aging and Ashland-area aging resources and column suggestions to her at [email protected]. By Ellen Waldman For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By Ellen Waldman For the Tidings Posted Feb. 9, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. calendar Connect with DailyTidings.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Alerts Email alerts RSS feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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