A recent consumer survey by the American Massage Therapy Association found that approximately 9 million people over the age of 55 had a collective total of 39 million massages in the previous 12 months. The primary reason they received massage was for medical purposes. Why? Because studies have shown the therapeutic benefits of massage to be far-reaching and long-lasting Increased quality of life and relief from a multitude of health issues.Here are 18 reasons why Shell Point residents have decided to give the therapeutic benefits of massage a try.Manage low back pain.Help fibromyalgia pain.Reduce muscle tension.Enhance exercise performance.Relieve stress and reduce anxiety.Relieve tension and migraine headaches.Sleep better.Ease symptoms of depression.Improve cardiovascular health.Reduce pain of arthritis.Improve balance.Promote relaxation.Lower blood pressure.Help chronic neck pain.Increase range of motion.Boost immunity.Temper effects of dementia.Aid in recovery from illness or injury.Interested in incorporating massage into your regular healthcare regimen? Call Shell Point Salon & Spa at (239) 489-8400 to make an appointment with a trained professional.https://www.amtamassage.org/research/Massage-Therapy-Research-Roundup/Research-Roundup.html

Whats the key to aging well? Its just one factor of many, but engaging with spirituality and religion consistently improves quality of life for seniors, leading to several positive effects. At Amira Choice, strongly believe in the value of spiritual support. With that in mind, here are five benefits to embracing spirituality later in life.PurposeAs we age, transitioning out of our careers and moving past the years when were most needed as parents, it becomes extremely important to find new ways of engaging, exploring, and encouraging others. Research is showing that spirituality can play a part in helping seniors with healthy, positive aging by providing a sense of structure and understanding for our lives. Connecting to something larger than ourselves, serving others, and thinking beyond our own situation can truly improve the quality of our days.CommunitySeniors with spiritual support gain access to the rich community that characterizes faith groups. Pursuing connections and investing in relationships, new and old, makes every day worth celebrating. By attending worship services, joining book or Bible studies, and sharing open conversations with other members of our faith, we form and strengthen relationships that enhance our lives and when a senior living community supports and encourages religious involvement, the social benefits spread throughout the community.HopeSeeing challenges arise in our life and the lives of the people we love can be difficult to manage. How we handle those challenges, and maintain a sense of hope in the face of them, has big implications for our health in later years. Spirituality and religion can provide a strong support, lifting our spirits when we need it most. Connecting to faith gives seniors a mental boost to cope with illness and loss and helps them maintain the positivity that leads to recovery and new beginnings.BrainpowerKeeping our brains active and engaged as we age is hugely important, and spirituality provides a jolt to our brainpower. Studies have shown that practicing religion helps to slow cognitive decline, and for seniors living with dementia and other forms of memory loss, it can help reduce or stabilize cognitive disorders. Improving our mental capacity means improving every aspect of our life, from our health to our relationships and our daily activities.HealthAlong with increasing brain function and offering an outlet for personal connection, religion and spirituality provide real psychological benefits that help improve health outcomes overall. Seniors who rely on faith enjoy a more positive and hopeful attitude about life and illness, which actually predicts better health outcomes. They are less likely to develop depression and anxiety, and because of their renewed sense of purpose, they tend to have healthier habits and relationships. In short, belief, positivity, and hope lead to tangible improvements in our health and wellness.At Amira Choice, our faith-based programming is ecumenically diverse, and were blessed to have residents and staff from a variety of religious traditions. Visit the Amira Choice community near you and ask about the spiritual programing we provide transportation to, or offer in-house.

Vitamin B12 is an critical vitamin for the human bodys complete health. The vitamin aids the bodys functions that are responsible for making red blood cells, nerves, DNA, and other functions. Not getting enough of this vitamin can be harmful to your health.Vitamin B12 cannot be synthesized by the body; instead, it must come from food or supplements. Foods such as meat, eggs, poultry, dairy, and other animal products contain this important vitamin.According to a case study by Massachusetts General Hospital, a deficiency of vitamin B12 may develop slowly, causing symptoms to intensify over time. These symptoms can include:Strange sensations, numbness, or tingling in the hands, legs, or feetDifficulty walkingAnemiaA swollen, inflamed tongueYellowed skin, or jaundiceDifficulty thinking and reasoning, or memory lossParanoia or hallucinationsWeaknessFatigueIf you are over the age of 50 or are experiencing any of the above symptoms, contact your doctor. A blood test can determine if your vitamin B12 levels are low. Prevent vitamin B12 deficiency could be as simple as taking a daily multivitamin, but always consult your doctor before making changes to your daily medication and vitamin intake.Source: http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/vitamin-b12-deficiency-can-be-sneaky-harmful-201301105780