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The 51.1 million seniors 65 and older living in the U.S. still enjoy life and want to do so for as long as possible. They are more health-conscious than ever and are always on the lookout for anything to improve their quality of life. CBD is one of those things.
CBD Oil: A Legal OTC Wellness Product for Seniors
CBD oil is a non-psychoactive, natural compound found in the hemp plant. Hemp is a variety of cannabis sativa, and while it contains trace amounts of THC (the psychoactive compound in marijuana), it’s less than 0.3% THC by dried weight. This small amount means a full-spectrum CBD won’t get you “high.”
CBD oil has exploded in popularity in recent years, thanks to its many potential health benefits and low risk of side effects. CBD oil is available in various forms, including tinctures, capsules, edibles, and topicals, meaning it’s easy to find what works best for you.
Studies show CBD has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic effects—all of which could be helpful for people 65 and older.
Aches and pains are frequent in older adults, thanks to years of wear and tear on the body. Many are happy to use CBD creams to soothe sore muscles and joints while continuing their active lifestyles.
An Overview of CBD for the Elderly
The benefits of hemp extract for seniors go beyond relieving daily aches and pains—it’s an ideal all-natural solution for wellness you can take daily.
CBD for Anxiousness
Anxiety in older adults is a problem, and the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the issue. A survey with KFF analysis found one in four adults 65 and older reported anxiety or depression in 2020.
Besides the pandemic, people experience more loss and change as they age, which can also be overwhelming. Symptoms include:
- Racing heartbeat
- Nervousness
- Sweating
- Trouble sleeping
- Irritability
CBD oil has become a popular choice for treating anxiousness in seniors, thanks to its calming effects.
CBD for Sleep
Poor sleep is a common issue in older adults. The National Sleep Foundation reports that people aged 60 and up are more likely to have insomnia than those in other age groups.
Common reasons older people have trouble sleeping include:
- Medical conditions
- Chronic pain
- Anxiety/stress
- Depression
- Medications
Although CBD can’t help with all these, it may help with a few, such as anxiety, stress, pain, and mood.
CBD oil can be a helpful addition to your sleep hygiene routine. The compound’s calming effects may help you relax and fall asleep more quickly, and its anti-inflammatory properties can ease common aches and pains from the ordinary course of aging. Solving these problems may help you stay asleep through the night.
CBD for Joint and Muscle Soreness
As we age, our bodies change and don’t work as efficiently as they once did. This can lead to pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the joints and muscles. Arthritis is a condition that often leads to these symptoms. Nearly 50% of people 65 and older have a doctor-reported diagnosis.
CBD oil for pain is a popular choice for older adults because it’s a natural way to relieve these symptoms without the risk of side effects or dependency that comes with some medications.
The hemp extract may help seniors keep moving—which is vital for maintaining mobility and independence as they age.
CBD oil may help by reducing inflammation throughout the body. This could improve seniors’ quality of life and help reduce the chances of chronic diseases associated with inflammation, such as heart disease, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s.
How the Elderly Can Take CBD Oil
The elderly can take CBD oil in various ways, depending on their needs and preferences. Some of the most popular methods include tinctures, capsules, and edibles.
Tinctures:
CBD tinctures are CBD oils that come with a dropper for easy dosing. For best results, hold the oil under your tongue for 30-60 seconds before swallowing. These work in about 15 and have a four to six-hour duration. Many consider tinctures the best CBD oilfor painrelief.
Capsules:
CBD capsules are an easy way to get a precise dose of CBD. These go through the digestion process and take a little longer to work—about 30-60 minutes—but their effects last four to six hours. Simply swallow the capsule with water like you would any other pill.
Edibles:
CBD edibles are a popular choice for seniors because they’re easy to take and come in various delicious flavors. Edibles work the same way as capsules—they take 30 to 60 minutes to kick in and have a four-to six-hour duration.
Suppositories:
CBD suppositories are an excellent option for seniors who have trouble swallowing pills or nausea that limit oral intake. You insert a suppository into the rectum or vagina, where they’re absorbed directly into the bloodstream. These work in about 15 minutes and have a four-to six-hour duration.
Studies show this method offers a better bioavailability than taking CBD orally. Bioavailability is the percentage of the compound that gets into your system when you take it.
Topicals:
CBD topicals are a great option for seniors looking for targeted relief. Simply apply the topical to the area of pain or inflammation and wait for it to be absorbed. These typically work in about 20-30 minutes and last about four hours.
An excellent benefit of creams and balms is using them with other CBD products. For example, if you’re taking a CBD tincture for its calming effect, you can also apply a topical to your sore muscles at the same time.
Another type of topical is a transdermal patch. These are like nicotine patches and deliver a steady dose of CBD over an extended period. They’re a good option for seniors who need around-the-clock relief.
Inhalation
You can vape CBD. However, the safety and long-term effects are unknown and can be harmful to the elderly. People 65 and older should discuss this method with their doctor before trying it.
Forget what you know about CBD and the elderly. Contrary to popular belief, seniors can benefit from using this substance rich in CBD and other hemp compounds. Research and customer testimonials show it’s effective for anxiety, pain relief, inflammation reduction, and sleep improvement, among many other benefits. If you’re a senior or your loved one suffers from any of these issues, read on to learn how CBD may help.
