It seems with each passing year, the general public is becoming more accepting of the fact that CBD offers tremendous health benefits. One demographic, however, senior citizens (those esteemed members of society aged 65 and older), have been a bit slower to adopt CBD as a part of their health and wellness regimen. It’s too bad because it is this age group that could benefit the most.

 In fact, although people age 65 and older make up just 12 percent of the population, they consume 34 percent of all prescription medication, and 30 percent of all over-the-counter medication. If we consider what types of medication they are taking and for what purpose (common ailments such as bone and joint pain, poor digestion, poor sleep, etc.), it is easy to see how CBD could really help seniors improve their quality of life. Below are just a few ways CBD can help seniors on a day-to-day basis.

Improved immune system

Immune systems are vital for keeping our bodies healthy. It’s a crucial shield protecting us from all sorts of outside threats such as viruses and bacteria, as well as more serious diseases such as psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, lupus, or cancer. Our endocannabinoid system, a series of countless neurotransmitters throughout our body, helps to regulate and maintain our immune system. CBD binds directly to endocannabinoid receptors throughout the body, stabilizing immune system performance and bolstering it in areas where it may have become weakened.

Seniors with old and weakened immune systems should strongly consider using at least a small dose of CBD each day to fortify their body’s defensive capabilities. No one wants to deal with autoimmune diseases, and seniors will have an even harder time fighting off and recovering from them without proper strength.

Improved bone and joint health

One of the most popular uses for CBD is its anti-inflammatory properties. Senior citizens have the most to gain from using CBD for joint and bone pain because there is no shortage of muscular and bone-related ailments they struggle with. However, CBD should not be considered a replacement for whatever medication people are already taking for bone and joint pain. CBD will not heal the condition, but it will go a long way in reducing inflammation and promoting the body’s ability to cope. This will make life easier and more pain-free.

Reduced stress

Stress and anxiety are common in seniors, often stemming from struggling with it at an earlier point in their life. As people age, their ability to cope with the problem may diminish, especially if they encounter major life-changing events such as retirement, the death of a friend or family member, or other abrupt life events like a heart attack or stroke. CBD is not only a great tool for relaxation and stress reduction, it can also be used as a natural antidepressant. This may be particularly helpful to seniors who struggle to be in social situations for any period of time.

Better sleep

Many seniors suffer from poor sleep. Pain in muscles, bones, and joints can make it difficult to get comfortable, and neurons that regulate sleep patterns within the brain are dying off as it ages. This eventually leads to a loss of REM sleep, which is crucial for restoring physical and mental functions for the following day. A steady lack of sleep will also increase the risk of brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, as well as a weakened immune system.

Thankfully, CBD helps combat all of these ailments when taken consistently. By using CBD, healthy sleep patterns may begin to take shape again, providing regular periods of greater rest and relaxation.

Pain relief

Chronic pain is one of the most common ailments plaguing seniors, and it can stem from other issues such as surgery recovery, heart disease, diabetes, or musculoskeletal disorders. Research shows that CBD is fantastic for managing pain. Pain is eliminated in the body because CBD is shown to reduce chronic inflammation. This helps seniors not just feel better, it also improves their mobility, comfort during sleep, as well as mood and energy levels. Used consistently, CBD can even help change the way the brain responds to pain, having an even greater effect in helping seniors live more comfortably.

What CBD products should seniors use?

CBD products tend to be very un-intrusive when it comes to adopting them into our daily diets. CBD oil and capsules are very popular options because they can be effortlessly taken with any meal or beverage. Alternatively, edibles like gummies or cookies are preferred for a dedicated snack time. Tinctures and lotions are also good options for seniors because they are easy to use and can take the place of lotions or other cream products that are already being used daily, making them hard to forget about or misplace.

Just pick a product that will be most convenient and easy to use to start with. It’s easy to try something different if one of the above options doesn’t quite work for you as expected.

In terms of how much CBD seniors should use, it is wise to start with a lower dose of around 5 mg. If the senior is using other prescribed medications, consider starting even lower at 2.5 mg to make sure the CBD won’t negatively interfere with the other medications being taken. Increase the dose slowly over the next three to four weeks if no results are experienced, and be patient until the desired effect is reached. Do not start taking large doses of CBD right away, as it will shock the body and likely cause negative side effects such as poor digestion, diarrhea, fatigue, or nausea.

The bottom line is that yes, CBD can be very helpful for senior citizens when it comes to treating or preventing symptoms that often accompany old age. The benefits of increased comfort, reduced pain, better sleep, and a boosted immune system all combine to help improve our quality of life. Seniors should seriously consider incorporating CBD into their daily regimen, but first be sure to consult with your healthcare provider about using it, especially if you are using other prescription medications as mentioned above.