Cannabidiol, or CBD, can be helpful in seniors’ quest for health and wellness. A non-addictive substance, CBD improves symptoms of various conditions, giving older adults a better quality of life. Following are the many ways CBD can benefit older Americans.
What is CBD?
CBD is the second-most predominant active ingredient in cannabis (marijuana), according to Harvard Health Publishing. CBD oil is either derived from the hemp plant or produced in a lab. Although it is one part of the hundreds of components of marijuana, CBD alone does not produce a “high.”
As a result, people who take pure CBD are unlikely to become dependent on it or develop an addiction. The World Health Organization further states that individuals who use CBD do not have the potential to develop any health issues related to use or experience psychedelic effects.
CBD can be legally obtained in many parts of the United States as a result of the 2018 Farm Bill that made hemp legal. This bill eliminates all products derived from hemp, including CBD, from the Controlled Substances Act. People purchase CBD online without a medical marijuana license.
In the US, CBD is available in numerous forms. Individuals who seek its health benefits reach for CBD products, like oils, capsules, vapes, patches, and topical creams or lotions that are directly applied to the skin. CBD also enters the bloodstream via sprays that are placed under the tongue.
How does CBD benefit seniors?
- Reduces pain
Older people with arthritis benefit significantly from the pain-reducing effects of CBD. When applied as a topical cream, CBD provides localized pain relief. CBD creams remain highly effective, so seniors do not need to increase the dosage or strength to experience continued benefits.
- Improves sleep
A quality night’s sleep is critical for older adults to help them stay alert the next day and give their bodies the best chance to fight off infections. CBD offers relaxing benefits, thereby reducing insomnia. Seniors with anxiety, stress, or depression sleep better as CBD relieves these issues.
- Stabilizes mood
Mood swings are disruptive, distancing aging individuals from caregivers and family members. Changes in mood can occur in older adults diagnosed with dementia or develop simply as a part of aging. Taking CBD, however, calms the mind and alleviates stress.
When CBD interacts with serotonin and adenosine receptors in the brain, the senior’s mood stabilizes. Plus, their cognitive functions improve. The mood-enhancing benefits of CBD are vital when seniors deal with loss, grief, and the distress associated with their decline in health.
- Diminishes anxiety
Anxiety disorders affect more than a quarter of all seniors. Rather than allow anxiety to interfere with daily activities, seniors with social or generalized anxiety can manage these issues by taking CBD—which works nearly as effectively as anti-anxiety medications.
- Reduces depression
Socially isolated seniors and those who have lost loved ones are at risk of experiencing depression. CBD offers effects that closely resemble those of anti-depressants. CBD is thought to interact with serotonin to keep its levels consistent, resulting in feelings of well-being and happiness.
- Boosts heart health
High blood pressure, which is a leading cause of heart disease, is common among the elderly population. Recent research has led to the discovery of CBD as a natural and effective treatment for high blood pressure. Seniors who take CBD reduce their blood pressure and their risk for heart disease.
CBD properties have also been found to help lower cardiac inflammation. Cell deaths that occur as a result of oxidative stress also decrease with the use of CBD. By lowering blood pressure, managing cardiac inflammation, and preventing the death of heart-region cells, CBD promotes overall heart health.
- Stimulates appetite
A loss of appetite is prevalent among aging individuals. Malnutrition, muscle weakness, and unintended weight loss can be unhealthy consequences. But seniors who take CBD experience an enhanced appetite and eat more, thereby maintaining a healthy weight and consuming essential nutrients.
- Combats neurogenerative diseases
Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and stroke are neurogenerative diseases that cause the brain and nerves to deteriorate gradually. CBD shows promise in the fight against neurogenerative disorders. As more research is being done, CBD can become a major treatment for seniors affected by these conditions.
- Promotes bone health
Osteoporosis is often a detrimental part of aging. Bones affected by osteoporosis become weak and fragile, leading to breakage after a fall. Bone health remarkably improves in seniors who take CBD, which is shown to strengthen bones and help the body heal if a fracture occurs.
Studies of CBD on humans are still ongoing. More research is needed—however, it remains a non-toxic option for relieving the abovementioned ailments. Effective therapeutic CBD doses are unclear at this time, and CBD is currently offered as an unregulated supplement.
CBD shows promise for alleviating chronic pain and inflammation as well as other benefits, but seniors are advised to consult their doctor prior to use.
Older adults further improve their holistic health and well-being by utilizing the compassionate, in-home care services from Assisting Hands Home Care. As a leading home care agency prioritizing the health of seniors, we are integral to their care plan. Professional caregivers assist with daily responsibilities to help aging care recipients remain independent in the comfort of their homes. We make the wish to age in place a reality.
Companion care includes social outings, pleasant conversations, and encouragement to pursue hobbies. Quality services from our caregivers prevent older adults from feeling lonely, isolated, and depressed. Through mobility assistance and transportation, we keep them connected to people in their community.
Additional home care services include help with personal hygiene, healthy meal preparation, grocery shopping, light housekeeping, and medication reminders. We’ll help your aging loved one apply CBD to manage pain, sleep better, and reduce anxiety—if they opt to try this promising form of relief.
Families and seniors trust Assisting Hands Home Care caregivers, as each is licensed, bonded, and insured. When your elderly loved one would benefit from senior companion care, schedule a free in-home consultation with us.
We are privileged to serve seniors in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the surrounding areas. Call us today.
