The Healing Power of Touch

By Michelle Diehl, M.A.

"Reach out and touch somebody's hand. Make this world a better place if you can."

This familiar 1970's tune by song writer and singer Diana Ross continues to belt out a powerful message today. Touching is typically thought of in relation to children or young adults. Parents are encouraged to hug their children to convey feelings of being loved and cherished. Young adults are most often portrayed as givers and receivers of touching and physical intimacy.

Yet, as the song and message continue, "We can change things if we start giving. Why don't you reach out and touch somebody's hand"  - especially the hand of an older person.

Elderly individuals are often left to "sing alone". For many older individuals, there are few opportunities to exchange physical affection. Lack of partnership through death or divorce may dramatically change the availability of a partner. Poor health or limited mobility may isolate elderly individuals from family and friends. Myths and negative stereotypes of aging can lead to feeling undesired or unworthy of being touched.

When compared with other cultures, American society tends to value that which is independent, logical, and rational. Our society may fail to recognize the power and meaning of touch. Elderly people who are insufficiently touched can experience failure to thrive. Elderly individuals with failure to thrive can become apathetic, lose the will to live, and refuse to eat or drink.

Remember to hug or caress people who may seem unaware including those with dementia. People who are unable to recognize familiar faces, unable to remember how to feed, dress or toilet himself or herself, or are unable to say what they did only moments ago continue to need physical contact.

The drive for physical contact helps to fulfill a basic need to connect deeply to another human being. The basic need to touch and be touched, and to express and receive intimacy remains important.

While short-term memory loss is often the first sign in dementia, traces of long-term memory remain intact. Long-term memories, including the desire for physical closeness, propel an individual to fulfill these familiar and significant needs.

Respectful and caring touch nurtures and enhances the quality of life. As the largest and most easily accessible bodily organ, skin is primed to meet our basic need for touch. A caring touch by a professional masseuse or brief gentle back rub by a trusted friend can help us to relax.

The body has both a natural painkiller, called endorphins, and a natural antidepressant, called serotonin. These chemicals are released during a massage and help us to be more mentally and physically vibrant. With elderly people who are depressed, massage techniques can also reduce agitation and anxiety and help seniors feel better about themselves.

Tots, centenarians and everyone in between need to touch and be touched. Offer a hug. Respond to an outstretched hand. "Reach out and touch somebody's hand. Make this world a better place if you can."