If you are at retirement age, or have a loved one who is, you may be interested to hear that a sauna for seniors is actually a good idea. Why is this? Particularly if you’re an older individual, your body can benefit from heat therapy. Specifically, the following can occur:
- It can help you get a good night’s
- Reduce stress and tension.
- Increase circulation of oxygenated blood.
- Increase healing.
- Allow for lymph system flow.
- Detox through perspiration.
- Boost the immune system and more.
Now that you know saunas are beneficial, you may be asking whether or not they are safe. In general, and for people with stable CVD, sauna bathing is safe. Naturally, the amount of time a person spends in the sauna should be appropriate and sensible.
Precautions And Contraindications
While saunas are safe for the general public, there are certain contraindications. These can include the following:
- Severe aortic stenosis
- Recent myocardial infarction
- Unstable angina pectoris
That said, for those with old myocardial infarction, stable angina pectoris, or even coronary heart disease, sauna bathing should be safe. Your best bet is to check with your personal physician before you venture into a sauna. Always better to be safe than sorry.
Length of Time for A Sauna
You do risk hydration, the longer you stay in a sauna, so try to limit your time. Figure, as a general rule, between 15 and 20 minutes. If counting minutes isn’t your cup of tea, when you feel “hot enough,” leave the sauna.
Is it okay to enjoy a sauna daily? The chance for an early death may well be reduced by regular sauna sessions. For those who attend a sauna once daily, a 40% lower risk of an early death may be realized. The greatest benefits are experienced by those who visit saunas on a frequent basis – as often as once per day.
Arthritis and High Blood Pressure
Frequently, those in their golden years have started to experience issues with high blood pressure and/or arthritis. How does a sauna affect these?
- Arthritis: For people with rheumatic diseases like ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia, benefits may be experienced from regular dry sauna bathing. Benefits may also be enjoyed by people with chronic pain and fatigue syndromes.
- High blood pressure: Blood pressure is lowered by high sauna temps or warm tub temperatures because it causes blood vessels to dilate. Especially in a hot tub, the volume of blood pumped by your heart will also rise.
Steam Room Versus Sauna
What’s the difference between a steam room and a sauna?
- Steam room: Offers more benefits than a sauna. The humidity is the key to this room’s unique health benefits.
- Sauna: Usually from a closed stove or hot rocks, this uses dry heat. Can help to loosen and relax muscles.
At Discovery Village At Twin Creeks, Health and Happiness Come First
At Discovery Village At Twin Creeks, we provide numerous activities and events, many of which encourage health and fitness. Attend a dance with a friend – it’s great exercise. You may prefer a more formal exercise setting, so we also offer a fitness program that involves water aerobics, Wii bowling, yoga, and more. It’s easier to be happy when you’re healthy and living in style.
If you have questions regarding leasing or sales, please contact us at 972-532-7042. A representative will be happy to answer any other inquiries if you phone 972-359-1770. If you’d rather, feel free to use our convenient online form to open the lines of communication.
Even better, schedule a tour so that you can view in person all we offer.
