How Seniors Are Using CBD

In recent years, many seniors have taken an interest in using CBD for part of their personal wellness routines. While scientific research is still evolving, there’s growing curiosity about how cannabinoids might fit into a balanced lifestyle for older adults. Around 90% of seniors in a recent survey reported using CBD in an attempt to address health-related issues. While there’s still plenty of clinical research to be done, there are endless legitimate articles, testimonials, and studies pointing to the fact that CBD could offer natural support for health and wellbeing.

As the stigma attached to CBD continues to dwindle, the general public is starting to become aware of the many potential benefits of CBD for seniors. As for the results? They seem promising.

Whether you’re a senior yourself, helping care for somebody, or just curious about more natural alternatives to traditional medications, here’s what you should know.

What Is CBD Anyway?

CBD is a compound that stems from hemp. Unlike THC, however, it doesn’t have any psychoactive side effects. What’s great is that you still get all of the same positive benefits of THC without having to enter a mind-altering state. 

This is because it interacts with something known as the endocannabinoid system, which is a network of neurotransmitters that help regulate a laundry list of bodily functions and processes, including:

• Mood
• Sleep
• Memory
• Apetite
• Pain
• Immune Function

This system exists within every person who’s ever lived, so even if you don’t currently use CBD or any hemp-related product, it’s still doing work in the background.  

Over the years, CBD has proven promising for elderly people who want to combat the negative effects of aging. One of the biggest reasons that CBD has become such a popular choice for seniors is that it can provide benefits while remaining gentle.  

The Benefits of CBD for Seniors

1. Pain Management

That pain in your back, neck, knees, or hips? If you’re like 36% of people above 65, it might be chronic. And if no amount of stretching, painkillers, or physical therapy has worked for you, it could be time to turn to CBD as an alternative. 

This is especially true in lieu of the opioid crisis, which has further cemented the dangers of addiction so many adults succumb to when trying to find relief from pain. 

In fact, the Arthritis Foundation released a recent survey showing 29% of arthritis sufferers currently use CBD for support. 

2. Better Sleep Quality

Many seniors also struggle with getting quality sleep. This could be falling asleep, staying asleep, or not sleeping as deeply as you should. 

An overwhelming 45% of people above 65 say this is something that plagues them every night. While one or two restless nights shouldn’t be a cause for panic, chronic sleeplessness can be.

Experts say it can lead to a list of side effects, including high blood pressure, mood swings, and depression. The list goes on.

One of the main potential benefits of CBD for seniors is better relaxation. In one study surrounding CBD and insomnia, 65% of participants said their sleep improved immediately after their first dose. 

3. Mood and Anxiety

The older we get, the less serotonin our bodies produce. Without regular serotonin production, we’re more susceptible to mood instability. Several studies show that low serotonin levels have been linked to depression, anxiety, and loss of appetite.

Now, while it’s still unclear whether CBD actually increases the serotonin levels in our brains, there’s good evidence out there that supports its impact on how the chemical receptors in our brain respond to serotonin that’s already there. 

Research that looks at the direct link between CBD and anxiety is also positive. 

In one recent study, participants said they felt more relief from their anxiety symptoms after a couple of doses of CBD over the course of a few weeks. Daily CBD dosing on animals has also demonstrated positive effects. 

4. Neuroprotectivity

Could CBD also be the key to neurodegenerative disease prevention? Some studies say yes. 

Neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and dementia have long been thought of as diseases that come naturally with age. What we’re now learning is that not only is that not true, but there may be natural ways to prevent them using CBD. Over the past couple of years, research has been coming out that supports its positive impact on neurodegenerative disorders.

As we mentioned earlier, studies have shown CBD may reduce inflammation in the body. Neuroinflammation is one of the key immune responses associated with common neurodegenerative disorders. As such, regular doses of CBD may be a useful mechanism for promoting better brain health.

There are still many questions surrounding the science of CBD and neuroprotectivity, but the current research is promising.

How the Elderly Are Using CBD

Unlike most traditional medications, CBD also comes in many forms, allowing seniors to choose the “vessel” that fits best with their lifestyle. Oils and topicals are certainly some of the most popular, though CBD hemp flower is starting to gain traction for older adults who want a quicker, inhalable option.

CBD tinctures are arguably the most popular among older folks, as they’re incredibly versatile. You can add them to food or drinks, or place them under the tongue with a dropper. There are also CBD topicals, which don’t have the same systemic effects as tinctures and flower. Rather, they’re better for a more targeted approach. 

Here at  Rogue Origin, we specialize in 100% all-natural CBD hemp flower, which is the most natural form of CBD.

Is CBD Safe for Seniors?

One of the biggest advantages of CBD over traditional medication is that it’s safe to use. That doesn’t mean, however, that it should be taken without consideration. We always encourage our customers to treat CBD as they would anything else they put in their bodies. 

One thing to note is that CBD has been known to interact with certain medications, changing how the body processes them. This could, in theory, make those potentially life-saving medications less effective than they need to be in order to work. So, if you currently take medication, it’s important to talk to your physician before trying CBD. 

Finding Relief With CBD

Though there’s still plenty of research to be done on the benefits of CBD for seniors, what we’ve seen so far is overwhelmingly positive. 

Now, with that said, if you choose to start taking a new supplement like CBD, start low and slow with third-party lab-tested products from reputable brands, such as Rogue Origin.

Explore our Ultimate CBD Buyer’s Guide to learn more about how to buy high-quality CBD online and take your first step toward comfort in your golden years.