Seniors can add CBD products into their healthcare routine with positive benefits. Although CBD may be used to target one area, such as pain management, CBD can provide seniors with many additional benefits.
What is CBD?
CBD is one of the 120 known cannabinoids present in cannabis (hemp) plants. CBD works with the body to provide the user with calming, anti-inflammatory, and anti-pain benefits. Although it comes from the same plant as THC, CBD does not cause any psychedelic effects.
Research into the medical benefits of CBD is just beginning, but many disorders and conditions can be treated with only CBD products. Here are some of the life-changing health benefits of CBD use for seniors.
Reduce chronic pain
Nearly half of seniors have arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and many more suffer from different types of chronic pain.
When dealing with pain issues, topical CBD creams are generally the preferred treatment method over all other CBD products like edibles. These topicals provide strong, localized pain relief, which traditional painkillers cannot offer. Additionally, CBD creams will not subside ineffectiveness, so seniors will never have to reach for a higher dosage or strength, unlike with traditional painkillers.
Improved sleep quality
Sleep is extremely important to help our bodies regenerate and flush out harmful toxins. If we do not get the sleep we need (on average 7-9 hours a night), our bodies suffer long-term consequences. Unfortunately, insomnia and poor quality of sleep are issues that are especially common among older adults leaving their bodies weak and less prepared to fight off infections.
CBD could be the answer. Many studies have uncovered the relaxing benefits of CBD, including reducing insomnia symptoms and improving the sleep quality of seniors. If a senior is experiencing sleep issues due to other mental health conditions like anxiety, stress, or depression, CBD can also help relieve these issues, which leads to better sleep.
Balance mood disorders
As we get older, mood swings can become more prevalent and intense. These mood swings could cause seniors to become even more estranged from society, greatly diminishing their quality of life and increasing the risk for mental illness. When CBD interacts with Serotonin and Adenosine receptors, it helps to alleviate stress, calm the mind and improve cognitive functions, which in turn, positively impacts mood.
Reduce anxiety
More than a quarter of senior citizens suffer from debilitating anxiety disorders that impede their daily activities. CBD can treat both generalized and social anxiety disorders. How exactly CBD reduces anxiety isn’t entirely clear, but studies have shown that CBD provides almost the exact effects as traditional anti-anxiety medications on the brain.
Curb depression
Depression is another huge issue in the elder community. Feelings of loneliness and abandonment can easily lead to feelings of depression. Studies have been able to expose the anti-depressant-like effects CBD offers patients. Researchers believe that CBD interacts with Serotonin to keep the chemical levels balanced. When Serotonin levels are held consistent, people generally experience feelings of well-being and happiness.
Heart-healthy
Approximately half of Americans suffer from high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease – one of the leading causes of death among seniors. Based on recent research, CBD may be a new, natural, and effective treatment for high blood pressure, thereby decreasing the risk of heart disease.
Helping you through the process
If your parent or loved one needs more help than you can provide, contact Oasis Senior Advisors for assistance. We offer resources for seniors and their families, as well as support and guidance every step of the way so you can feel confident in your senior housing selection. Deciding to make a move to a long-term care community is an emotional, financial, and physically taxing process, and you don’t have to do it alone.