“He who is of a calm and happy nature will hardly feel the pressure of age, but to him who is of an opposite disposition, youth and age are equally a burden.” – Plato
The aging process is natural. No one can control that. But, how you spend your day, what you eat, how much exercise per week—all these things will decide your mental wellbeing and the number of years you will live.
Fatigue, pain, insomnia, hypertension, etc. are common with age. These can lead to severe medical conditions, which have direct or indirect links to death. But, with healthy lifestyle choices, you can get off these conditions, and promote wellness even in your 50s or 60s.
The rising prescription medication costs and their unpleasant side-effects often affect seniors’ lives. Fortunately, CBD (cannabidiol) can help in relieving some of the symptoms of aging and improving the quality of life. It’s a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis, available in a wide range of forms—edibles, oils, topicals, etc.
According to a recent study by Remedy Review conducted on 1000 seniors, 51% of the seniors who used cannabis reported that they improved their quality of life.
Like many, there’re many questions coming to your mind right now-
- How does CBD help seniors make their lives better?
- What’re the senior conditions for which CBD can be used?
- What’s the dosage for seniors?
Read on the post to get answers to these questions.
Top 6 Health Benefits of CBD for Seniors
Good For Heart Health- There’re many studies showing CBD can improve cardiovascular functioning. It can help in reducing the tension of blood vessel walls and has the ability to reduce blood pressure risks.
A 2017 study analyzed the CBD’s blood pressure-lowering effects. It was a short study, in which 9 participants were given a placebo or 600mg of CBD. Researchers concluded that cannabidiol helped in reducing stroke volume and resting systolic BP.
Additionally, CBD can help in alleviating symptoms of stress and anxiety, which are linked to cardiovascular diseases.
Relieves Pain- Most of the seniors deal with pain, muscle soreness, joint pain associated with conditions such as arthritis every single day.
Medical researchers have found that cannabidiol can help in reducing pain related to arthritis or other elderly conditions. For acute pain treatment, CBD creams are effective.
CBD works by interacting with the CB-2 receptors, which are located in every cell and tissue of the body. Thus, the phytocannabinoid helps in reducing pain and discomfort no matter the location.
Unlike opioids and other painkillers, CBD is safe and doesn’t cause issues such as addiction or overdose.
Improve Memory And Cognitive Ability- Medical researches say that CBD is a neuroprotective and antioxidant chemical, which can help in reversing the effects of neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s. In 2003, the US Government published a patent—Cannabinoids as antioxidants and neuroprotectants.
Cannabidiol protects the myelin insulation of nerve fibers in the spinal cord and brain, which is a specific place of attack in the disorders mentioned above.
In 2013, a study concluded that long-term THC use can affect memories while CBD may protect some memory functions and prevent memory impairment.
Additionally, CBD can affect unpleasant memories. Many clinical studies show that CBD has the ability to reduce anxiety associated with memory disorders such as PTSD, and can also help in controlling fearful memories and traumatic episodes.
Reduce inflammation and boost the immune system- This is one of the most researched areas when it comes to the medicinal use of CBD. And, it’s an alternative treatment and safe way for seniors to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Inflammation can cause age-related gastrointestinal complications in the digestive system and bowels. CBD works by stimulating cells in the gastrointestinal lining, thus improving digestive health.
Medical specialists believe that taking a few drops of CBD oil (approximately 20mg) every day can be beneficial in reducing inflammation, soreness in muscle tissues.
Additionally, cannabidiol helps in regulating the immune response system; thus enhancing the body’s ability to fight specific bacteria and viruses that cause severe diseases.
Promotes Sleep- Trouble falling asleep during the night is a common problem among seniors. In fact, most medical specialists consider sleep as an important factor for staying fit.
Studies on sleep habits show that older adults in the US show an increase in the time taken to fall asleep, sleep fragmentation, the decline in REM sleep, etc. However, the prevalence of sleep disorders increases as people age.
CBD is effective in treating insomnia and other sleep-related disorders by restoring the stress response. The phytocannabinoid also work in extending the deep sleep phase while reducing the lighter sleep phases.
Thus, instead of tossing and turning during the night, it’s good to take CBD and enjoy a good night sleep.
Sometimes, pain is a cause of sleep interruption, and CBD can be used as a great natural pain-killing agent.
Improve bone health and organ functioning- Osteoporosis is another common elderly condition, which can’t be avoided. And, CBD is proven beneficial for treating it.
Osteoporosis is associated with weakening of the bones, thus increasing the chances of fracture. Usually, the loss of bones occurs progressively, and patients don’t see any sign until their bones fracture.
Cannabidiol helps in regulating CB receptors in the bone marrow, thus preventing osteoporosis related to the aging process.
The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD can help patients with multiple sclerosis promote wellness.
CBD provides anti-aging effects on organs such as liver, stomach, eyes, skin, etc. The phytocannabinoid prevents degeneration of the cells and tissues of all organs by stimulating CB receptors.
CBD Dosage For Seniors:
It’s hard to tell how much CBD you require to maintain a healthy lifestyle as everyone’s condition is different. Additionally, how your body responds to cannabinoids is also an important factor to consider.
If you’re using CBD for the first time, start with low doses, usually, 10mg or a half drop of low strength tincture. You can increase the dosage based on your previous experiences, and to achieve the desired results. Always purchase good quality CBD products that are grown in the United States and lab tested.
Before adding CBD to your daily routine, make sure you have researched properly about the benefits and side-effects associated with it. It’s better if you discuss your condition with a specialist doctor and seek professional help regarding using CBD products for promoting wellness.
Conclusion:
As people age, their ability to fight diseases reduce and the prevalence of age-related diseases such as insomnia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Osteoporosis, anxiety, hypertension, etc. increases. These conditions can cause many problems in a person’s life.
Aging is natural so as the changes in biological, psychological, and behavioral processes. However, you can protect or reduce the occurrence of age-related conditions and risks. And, cannabis’ non-psychoactive compound CBD can help you in this.
While CBD can’t help you keep your hair color black or make you look 40 years younger, but it can help you achieve a healthier, active lifestyle.
Talk to a board-certified doctor to discuss your condition and get help regarding CBD consumption method, dosage, etc.