Though we all dream to have an ideal retirement life of sitting on a rocking chair and reading our favourite book or listening to our favourite music, but then is sitting on a Rocking Chair really advisable for Older People?
The larger point of debate is, is a Rocking Chair actually stable and easy to sit and get up especially for Seniors who have knee problems or gait / physical stability issues?
As per an article in LPA Medical inc, According to a clinical study of a clientele with a loss of autonomy, frequent use of a rocking chair improves balance and blood circulation, reduces muscle pain, anxiety and depression.
“A very popular stereotype of elderly people involves them rocking on their veranda with satisfaction,” says Nancy Watson, a researcher at the University of Rochester School of Nursing.
“It turns out that this activity really brings greater peace of mind to many people.” “It has been very well documented that a gentle repetitive movement provides a soothing effect to infants. We have shown that the same is true for an elderly population suffering from emotional distress.”
Another important question is, though a Rocking Chair may be good for mental health and physical balance, but it advisable for elders to use it all by themselves without any supervision?
Though there have been few researches on the benefits of using Rocking Chairs, but then I feel when it comes to older people who have Dementia, Parkinson’s there is need for more in-depth research especially for the oldest old.
No wonder they say “Keep Rocking in Life”.
Pankaj Mehrotra