Massage and Medicine by Renata França
Creator of the most desired massage by the famous, Renata interviews physicians and specialists for J.P, addressing the benefits of massage for people's health
DR. Thais Ioshimoto – CRM 107.754
Graduated from Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM/Unifesp), Dr. Thais works as a geriatrician at Residential Israelita Albert Einstein, where she is also the coordinator of the medical residency program in geriatrics.
Renata França: What inspired you to choose medicine and geriatrics? Thais Ioshimoto: I am part of a family of doctors. My grandfather was one of the first from the Japanese colony in this profession and an example of dedication. The passion for geriatrics was also due to my ancestry. The Japanese have great respect for the elderly, because they understand that they are the wisest of a family.
RF: In 2050, the elderly will represent 1/5 of the global population, according to WHO (World Health Organisation). Is the society organizing itself for this aging? TI: Unfortunately, no. We will face a huge crisis due to the lack of financial resources and professionals specialized in caring for the elderly. Many families will have to abandon their jobs in order to take care of their parents.
RF: How can one prepare for aging? TI: The secret is to invest in chronic disease prevention. This implies changes in life habits that should start from childhood: healthy eating, the practice of physical activities, healthcare, preventive examinations, vaccinations, leisure activities.
RF: What are the major challenges faced by the Brazilian elderly today? TI: I believe it is the lack of specialized professionals. Even in hospitals, there are those who don’t know how to deal with the particularities of the elderly. An example is infantilization. Many people treat them like children, which is a huge disrespect and as well as discriminatory.
RF: What is happy old age? TI: The concept of happiness is very personal. Some would say that it is having autonomy and independence. Others would say it's having company, and even others would say it is having health. The important thing is to ask ourselves what our values, our priorities, our fears and our vision of aging are.
RF: Do you see massage as an ally in the quality of life of the elderly patient? TI: All therapies that improve the quality of life are very beneficial to elderly patients. Massage helps relieve pain and stress.
RF: In what cases is massage not indicated? TI: It is not indicated for patients with infections, patients with clinical instability, patients with fractures and traumas, deep vein thrombosis, muscular diseases with risk of muscular injury, among others.
