Spa visit for an older lady?

December 18, 2007 4:16 PM

Is a spa visit a good gift for an older lady?

I would like to get a lady in her early eighties a nice, relaxing present. I keep hearing various women praising spa visits, both on their own and as gifts.

However, I have no firsthand knowledge of spas, and only have vague ideas of what goes on there. I imagine, though I don't know for sure, that this lady might be a little self-conscious about whatever state of undress may be normal there - towel wrap, bathing suit, birthday suit, whatever.

Now, obviously you don't know this lady. But in general, does anyone have any experience with this situation? Is this something that I should be particularly concerned about, or is a spa visit likely to be enjoyed regardless?

Thanks.

posted by Flunkie to grab bag (8 comments total)

Is she 80 and homebound or 80 and active?
posted by k8t at 4:27 PM on December 18, 2007

Hmm...I don't ever recall seeing any women in their 80's at a spa when I've been there, and my mother (77) really doesn't like the idea of stripping down for a backrub from some stranger, no matter how well-trained. (I think Mom's missing a good thing, but who am I to say?)

Now something she might be able to accept -- if you know a place with diligent cleanliness -- would be a spa pedicure. When I get my nails done, I often run into "old-old" (this is a gerontology/demographic term) women happily sticking their feet in the whirlpool chair. I emphasize cleanliness, however, because there have been cases of infections being spread by less-than-well-cleaned foot baths, and if your friend has type II diabetes, this could be devastating.

I think a pedicure at a day spa might be even more welcome than a pedicure at a mall nail salon because of atmosphere. I have always enjoyed the serene atmosphere at a day spa; it, more than anything, makes me feel special and "pampered".
posted by lleachie at 4:29 PM on December 18, 2007

Is she 80 and homebound or 80 and active?

In between, I guess.
posted by Flunkie at 4:31 PM on December 18, 2007

Pedicure, manicure, hair service, facial - they're all more special at a day spa than a nail or hair salon. Depending on your relationship, it might be a fun thing for the two of you to do together. My grandmother (almost 80) loves going to a day spa and no one ever asks her to get naked.
posted by yogurtisgenocide at 4:37 PM on December 18, 2007

The state of undress required varies depending on the treatment. Massages usually mean underwear or less, while pedicures can be done on someone wearing a skirt, shorts, or loose pants. A manicure can be done on someone who is fully dressed with short or loose sleeves. You normally strip down to your underwear and lie under a towel for a facial, but it's totally not a requirement -- you could have a facial fully clothed if it made you happier.

I was really self-conscious about it my first time, since I am a woman of great size, but spa personnel are totally used to fatness, nakedness and nervousness. They're very careful to preserve dignity. Plus, they see all sorts of ugly assed people, and earn tips. Even if they think you're gross, they're not going to tell you that or even let you think they might think that.

Generally, you can buy a certificate for an amount rather than for a service, and she could choose the ones she's most comfortable with.
posted by jacquilynne at 5:02 PM on December 18, 2007

I vote to get a gift certificate and let the recipient chose what services she wants.

My late grandmother loved to have her nails done. My husband's 86 year old grandmother really likes to go get a massage. We called around until we found a massage therapist who has experience working with the elderly.

Human touch is so important and lots of older people don't get enough of it. Kudos to you for thinking of this lovely gift idea.
posted by pluckysparrow at 6:17 PM on December 18, 2007

I would be more wary about a facial coupon. People seem to be a lot more likely to be squeamish about people touching their faces and bodies than their feet or hands.

Pedicures in spas often come with foot/calf massages, which are excellent for people on their feet a lot.
posted by that girl at 6:21 PM on December 18, 2007

I'm going to say no. Nails done, yes, hair styled, yes but a place with hot tubs, no -- I don't know this woman, and probably she's in fine health, but if she's not (particularly if she has high blood pressure) a jacuzzi is not a good idea.

Facial, maybe -- provided you can find a facialist accustomed to deal with older people's skin.
posted by stonefruit at 12:17 PM on December 19, 2007