Finding ways to stay healthy and relaxed has never been more important than now. And that’s especially true for elderly people who gradually develop health complications as they age.
Now, there are popular options that have been used for centuries, namely, saunas and steam baths.
But which one is better for elderly people in particular?
Well, let’s dive right into the world of heat therapy and see which fares better for older people between saunas and steam rooms.
Difference between sauna and steam room
For starters, let’s make the difference between saunas and steam rooms clear. That’s because they might seem similar at first since they’re both hot rooms that make you sweat.
But there are some key differences for sure, such as:
- Saunas use dry heat and have a temperature range of 150-195 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, the humidity levels are low here, usually around 10 percent. You can picture a wooden room with benches and a heater filled with hot rocks.
- Steam rooms, on the other hand, are all about moist heat generated by the likes of an Amerec steam generator. And while they’re cooler than saunas with a temperature average of 110 degrees Fahrenheit, they’ve 100% humidity. You can think of it as a tiled room filled with hot, steamy air.
Health benefits for sauna and steam room for the elderly
As you might already be aware, both saunas and steam rooms offer some impressive health benefits.
But how are they especially beneficial for older adults?
Well, let’s find out.
- Cardiovascular health: Regular sauna use lowers the risk of cardiovascular issues like heart attacks and strokes. Also, it helps lower blood pressure.
- Improved circulation: The heat in a sauna or steam room causes blood vessels to dilate, which in turn, boosts circulation throughout the body.
- Pain relief: Both saunas and steam rooms help ease joint pain and arthritis symptoms.
- Respiratory benefits: Steam rooms, in particular, help with sinus congestion and breathing issues.
- Stress reduction: The relaxing ambiance in both saunas and steam rooms help melt away stress.
- Skin health: Sweating in high heat conditions helps cleanse the skin and improves certain skin conditions like acne.
- Sleep improvement: Both sauna and steam room helps you get a good night’s sleep, which is all the more important for seniors.
Which is better for the elderly?
Let’s come back to the billion dollar question, i.e., sauna or steam room which is better for elderly folks?
Well, the truth of the matter is that both can be beneficial for elderly people, but there are some factors you should consider:
Saunas:
- Can be better for cardiovascular health
- Makes you sweat more, which some people find beneficial
- Have more research backing their health benefits
- Lowers the risk of bacteria and fungus growth compared to steam rooms
Steam rooms:
- The moist air is beneficial for respiratory issues
- Is more effective for easing muscle soreness
- The lower temperature is more tolerable for some seniors
- Is great for skin hydration
The Impact of mHealth on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention(Opens in a new browser tab)
Conclusion
So, which is better for elderly people between a sauna and a steam bath?
Well, the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all since both options offer unique benefits. As such, the best choice will depend on your health condition and wellness goals.
For instance, if cardiovascular health is your primary concern, a sauna might be the way to go. That’s because there’s more research supporting its heart-health benefits.
Also, the lower humidity levels can make it easier for some people to tolerate the heat.
On the other hand, if you’re someone who has certain respiratory issues or muscle soreness, a steam room will be more beneficial. Here, the moist air will help clear congestion and the lower temperature will make it more comfortable.
In fact, if you’ve got a steam room at home, you can get in touch with concrete restoration contractors and get waterproof concrete on steam room walls. This will prevent mold and mildew and safeguard your respiratory health.
Eventually, the best option is the one that you’ll use regularly. Moreover, some folks might enjoy alternating between the two for varied benefits.
Whether you choose to relax in a dry sauna or a steam room, the overall idea is to listen to your body, stay hydrated, and enjoy the experience.
After all, taking time to unwind and care for yourself is an important part of healthy aging. So, just go ahead, embrace the heat of a sauna or steam room, and let all that stress go away.
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