In recent years we observe a massive shift in the healthcare industry. CBD is one of the trendiest natural remedies that people have turned to for relief. Many studies on the health benefits of CBD found that it may provide some relief for a number of health conditions, including multiple sclerosis, arthritis, epilepsy, anxiety, and stress-related issues. However, remember not to use CBD as a first-line treatment for severe conditions, as it is an approved supplement and not medication.

Due to CBDs non-psychoactive properties, many healthcare professionals, elderly and children of older parents are curious about CBD and how it can potentially benefit their patients, themselves and their parents.

How many people use CBD?

According to 2019 research, 14 % of Americans say they use CBD products. 20 % of adults using CBD are younger than 30. 11 % of those aged 50-64 say they use CBD. The number of CBD users gradually decreases in the older age group, and there are 8 % of adults aged over 65 who confirm they utilize CBD products¹.

But many studies support the idea that there are enough reasons why senior citizens should consider a CBD. Moreover, cannabidiol is being used as a supplement for the elderly in many retirement homes throughout the US. At assisted living communities and nursing homes, older Americans increasingly are turning to cannabis as an alternative to addictive painkilling drugs- as a safer alternative to opioids².

How could CBD potentially support our seniors?

Here are the top CBD benefits being researched for the potential support for the elderly.  Are starting to prove that CBD should become a regular part of every senior’s health routine as they age.

• Overcome the sensation of pain. CBD research as a potential pain reliever is becoming louder and for some individuals, it may already work quite well from what we are hearing. Studies found CBD activates the various receptors in the ECS system and helps to reduce pain³. Also, CBD may help the elderly deal with arthritis and nerve pain⁴.
• Fighting insomnia issues. Sleep disorders are very common for people over 65. CBD can be effective in fighting insomnia issues along with other measures⁵. Due to its calming effect, CBD helps a person get asleep faster. CBD, along with other non-pharmacological means, may help avoid sleeping pills, which can cause dependency and a number of side effects. CBD may help extend the deep sleep phase and reduce the lighter sleeping phase.
• Bone density improvement. Aging people experience their bones lose vital minerals and weaken. Statistics show that 25 % of females and 6 % of males over 65 suffer from osteoporosis⁶. Some studies found that using CBD may strengthen bones and speed up the healing process – however, it is necessary to understand that CBD is a supplement that should be used along with other treatments and preventive measures ⁷.
• Good for heart health. Some findings show that people taking CBD daily may have better control over blood pressure (be warned that CBD supplement is not a replacement of antihypertensive therapy, but a supportive aid). Even a single dose of cannabidiol may help reduce blood pressure⁸. Also, CBD-derived products have antioxidant properties that may help fight ailments.
• Alzheimer’s and dementia. According to recent studies, CBD may be useful for brain health if started early enough, and regularly used for long enough. However, various health agencies warn that one should not depend on CBD alone to prevent Alzheimer’s or dementia as these conditions are caused by genetic make and faulty lifestyle. CBD should be used along with other measures like regular physical activity, dietary changes, and so on.

CBD is still being studied for its medicinal properties. But we can see, CBD products can help people with many health issues no matter their age.

References

1. Brenan M. 14% of Americans Say They Use CBD Products. Gallup.com. https://news.gallup.com/poll/263147/americans-say-cbd-products.aspx. Published August 7, 2019. Accessed November 13, 2019.
2. Medical Cannabis use on uprise in assisted living homes. AARP. http://www.aarp.org/health/drugs-supplements/info-2017/medical-Marijuana-assisted-living-homes.html. Accessed November 13, 2019.
3. Russo EB. Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2008;4(1):245-259.
4. Hammell DC, Zhang LP, Ma F, et al. Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis. Eur J Pain Lond Engl. 2016;20(6):936-948. doi:10.1002/ejp.818
5. Grinspoon P. Cannabidiol (CBD) — what we know and what we don’t. Harvard Health Blog. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476. Published August 24, 2018. Accessed November 13, 2019.
6. FastStats. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/osteoporosis.htm. Published July 23, 2019. Accessed November 13, 2019.
7. Bab I, Zimmer A, Melamed E. Cannabinoids and the skeleton: from marijuana to reversal of bone loss. Ann Med. 2009;41(8):560-567. doi:10.1080/07853890903121025
8. Jadoon KA, Tan GD, O’Sullivan SE. A single dose of cannabidiol reduces blood pressure in healthy volunteers in a randomized crossover study. JCI Insight. 2017;2(12). doi:10.1172/jci.insight.93760