Touch: therapeutic tool in geriatry and gerontology treatment

Abstract

This is a bibliographic study of descriptive character realized by literature's revision. It was used articles and summaries from the data basis of the virtual libraries as sources. Their objectives are to present the benefits of the Touch as effective tool to promote well-being of the elderly and to value the touch in geriatrics and gerontology treatment. The analyzed studies revealed that the touch has seemed an effective tool in treatment of the old persons, mainly in those who present dementia symptoms as Alzheimer's disease and pathologies, as cancer etc. According to researches, some elderly related feeling of relaxation and a reduction in anxiety, which promoted feeling of well-being and comfort. However it's necessary that health professionals have interest in knowing the many factors and aspects that involve the elderly in order to become the touch a “solidarity attitude”, done with emotionally, commitment, ethics and directive to guarantee the promotion of well-being and a quality attendance to the elderly. It's also suggested the touch is widespread in the research context and in the practice, based on evidences, therefore creating possibilities of developing a methodology for its application in the promotion of health and improvement in the life quality of the elderly.