Touch includes the sensations of pain, temperature, body position, pressure and vibration.
With ageing there can be decreased blood flow to the nerve endings, spinal cord or brain, changing or decreasing the bodies ability to recognise variations in all these areas.
There can be reduction in sensory levels of vibration, touch and pressure. Sensation of pain can be decreased or increased. People may overdress or underdress because they cannot accurately feel temperature differences.
Strategies to manage age related changes in touch;
Ensure pain is well controlled. Pain is far too often poorly managed in older people. It's hard to enjoy yourself when you are in pain.
Have a comfortable room temperature and appropriate clothing.
Ensure supported seating and if using a table, have it set around elbow height.
Demonstrate apps and navigation of the screen to show how little pressure is needed. Older people sometimes 'hit' the touchscreen as they are used to pushing buttons. My Mum originally looked like she was trying to crack my iPad!
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