CBD oil benefits have been studied extensively, and studies show that one age group might stand to benefit more than others - senior citizens.
CBD stands for cannabidiol and is one of the many cannabinoids found in cannabis. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound and can be extracted and processed for use in many different ways; there are many different benefits of CBD oil for seniors that can help them to lead normal lives as they age.
As baby boomers age into their senior years they may experience some of these common conditions:
- Arthritis Pain
- Anxiety
- Inflammation
- Insomnia or Restless Sleep Patterns
- Depression or other Mood Disorders such as Bipolar Disorder
As we age, our bodies become more vulnerable to the effects of pain and illness. CBD oil can help alleviate these symptoms by reducing inflammation in the body, relaxing tense muscles, improving sleep patterns and providing a general feeling of well-being.
These benefits of CBD oil make it an appealing product to seniors looking for natural alternatives to pharmaceutical medicines.
Top benefits of CBD oil for seniors
CBD oil for seniors can help with pain relief
As people age, they are more susceptible to chronic pain, oftentimes leading to depression and a decreased quality of life. CBD oil is a natural remedy for pain relief and has been shown to help with arthritis, chronic pain, and muscle spasms. CBD can be used in many different ways - as an edible, topical, capsule, or as a sublingual oil taken by mouth.
The pain of arthritis is difficult for seniors. Seniors can use many different drugs to treat the symptoms, but each one comes with side effects and contraindications. Studies suggest that CBD may help with both the pain and inflammation that comes along with arthritis.
CBD oil can be used to reduce anxiety and depression in seniors
There are endless ways to reduce stress in our lives. Sometimes, we need a specific remedy to use on the go or at home for anxiety relief. CBD has been shown through research to help people with generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorders due to its calming effects; it also helps those who suffer from obsessive-compulsive behaviours.
Anxiety is a condition characterized by excessive uneasiness and apprehension, often with no obvious cause. Depression is a mood disorder that causes feelings of sadness for most of the day and can lead to suicidal thoughts. These are both common conditions for seniors today as our society continues to age rapidly.
CBD oil has been used to reduce both anxiety and depression in seniors; it interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, responsible for regulating many of our bodily functions, including mood, sleep, appetite, and pain.
CBD oil has been shown to improve sleep quality in seniors
Sleeping is an important part of everyone's life, but it can be tough for seniors to do so as they age; a quick fix to the problem may include turning to sleep aids. These medications may temporarily fix the problem by combatting the issue in the short term; however, these drugs create bigger problems in the long run.
Continual use of sleep aids can cause dependence and addiction, and stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms like insomnia and agitation.
Sleep disorders are a common problem with many senior citizens, and they can cause them to feel fatigued during the day and have difficulty performing their daily tasks.
While these sleep issues may be common, many seniors don't know they have a sleep disorder until they are discovered during a routine doctor's visit. The most common causes of sleep disorders in seniors include chronic pain, arthritis, diabetes, and other physical ailments.
The good news is that CBD oil may be an effective remedy for treating insomnia and other related sleep disorders.
CBD oil promotes bone health in seniors
Hip fractures are a common injury among seniors, and they can lead to difficulty in mobility. One potential treatment for this is CBD oil.
CBD oil promotes bone health by helping the body retain calcium which prevents osteoporosis and heals bones that have been broken or fractured. CBD oil can also help by inhibiting the degradation of collagen and promoting new collagen production.
CBD can help combat addiction in seniors
The medical community is quick to prescribe medications as a first response for patients with health conditions. The problem? These prescriptions often lead to dependency and long-term damage without providing relief in the short term.
Patients are prescribed more and higher doses of medication until their bodies have an adverse reaction that leads them back into the doctor’s office with a new diagnosis - this time not so good news! Doctors then lower dosages or replace one type of prescription drug with another.
The drug addiction epidemic in America is a pressing problem that has reached crisis levels. Many people are addicted to opioids, and the number of deaths from overdoses continues to rise each year.
One of CBD oil's potential benefits includes being a treatment for addiction in seniors, one of America's fastest-growing populations.
So many seniors are getting hooked on drugs because they're prescribed them for pain management when they get older. However, new research suggests that CBD oil may help to combat addiction in seniors.
CBD can improve heart health
It's a known fact that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in North America. In fact, it's estimated that over 20 million people die from heart disease each year. It's for this reason that we should all focus on improving our heart health, even more so for senior citizens.
As we age, our risk for heart disease also increases. Cardiovascular disease has been found to be a major cause of death among seniors with an average life expectancy at between 75-80 years old; studies suggest CBD oil may be able to help.
One study found that people who took CBD oil had lower blood pressure levels, which lowers their risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Another study here shows that CBD oil may help protect against cardiovascular damage and reduce inflammation.
CBD may help combat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's
It's becoming clear that CBD can have benefits for those suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia and neurodegenerative diseases.
Alzheimer's is a degenerative brain disease that leads to memory loss, confusion, and severe behavioural problems.
New research shows that CBD oil could be one of the first major breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s research since its discovery over 100 years ago.
A study found that CBD oil can help improve brain function and potentially protect against the effects of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.
CBD oil can improve mood
Mood swings are a normal part of life, but as we grow older - especially if our health starts to decline or loved ones die - our moods can shift dramatically. If left untreated, these extreme changes in emotion could lead to major problems with your mental and physical health.
CBD oil is a natural product that can be used to improve mood and help relieve stress. Studies have shown CBD to have anti-depressive properties, which can help seniors with depression and mood disorders feel calmer and more at peace.
Many seniors experience mood swings as they age, but CBD oil may be a natural way to improve their mood. A recent study found that using CBD regularly may help treat certain mood disorders.
Frequently asked questions about CBD oil and seniors
Is CBD oil safe for seniors?
CBD oil is generally considered safe to take by all, young or old. Senior citizens, however, depending on if they are suffering from mental and cognitive decline, may be more susceptible to buying fake CBD; scammers often prey on people online, so this is something to watch for. For detailed information on choosing a quality CBD oil in Canada, check out this post.
Whether a senior is on medication or not plays a factor on its safety as well. CBD interacts with some medications much in the way grapefruit does. The types of drugs that grapefruit (and, therefore, CBD) may affect include those for:
- cholesterol
- high blood pressure
- organ transplant rejection
- Crohn’s disease
- abnormal heart rhythms
- anxiety
Always consult a doctor if you're planning to start taking CBD oil.
What are the side effects of CBD oil?
The majority of people who use CBD oil will not experience any negative side effects. These are some of the most common side effects of CBD oil that have been reported:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Low blood pressure
- Drowsiness or dizziness
- Appetite changes
What is the best dose of CBD oil for seniors?
The amount of CBD a person should take will depend on their body weight, the condition they want to help with and individual body chemistry. It is important to pay attention as CBD oil can be very potent so beginners should start low and gradually work up from there if needed.
The effects of CBD are very much dependent on the individual. For example, eating a gummy might have different results than applying a topical cream to your skin — even if both contain the same strength and concentration of CBD.
Factors such as how quickly you digest things versus how well your body absorbs them can play an important role in this difference between application methods for products containing cannabidiol (CBD).
CBD oil contains a wide variety of cannabinoids and terpenes, and the type you use depends on your needs. There are three main types of CBD oil to consider:
Full Spectrum - contains all cannabinoids, terpenes, and beneficial plant matter, including traces of THC.
Broad Spectrum - contains the majority of benefits of Full Spectrum CBD, but the THC has been removed.
CBD Isolate - an isolated compound containing CBD only, and nothing else.
Do seniors need a prescription for CBD oil in Canada?
No, seniors do not need a prescription to buy CBD oil in Canada. Canada legalized marijuana and CBD on October 17, 2018; many top CBD oil brands can be found online and purchased without a prescription.
Can CBD oil replace prescription medication?
While CBD oil can help treat a wide range of conditions due to how it interacts with the Endocannabinoid System, it is no match for a doctor's recommendation.
If your doctor feels like you need to be on a certain medication, it is wise to listen to them; feel free to bring up your thoughts on using CBD oils instead of your prescribed medication at your next visit.
Is CBD oil covered by Canadian health insurance?
Cannabis is an eligible medical expense under Revenue Canada's Medical Expense Tax Credit. By talking with your doctor and obtaining a legal prescription for cannabis, you may be eligible for coverage and tax breaks.
Recently, many insurance companies have added medical cannabis benefits to their plans, so be sure to look into whether or not you are eligible.
Final thoughts on the benefits of CBD for seniors
CBD oil for seniors has been gaining in popularity in Canada as more research is being done on its benefits. In today's society, many people are under the impression that CBD oil is just another fad. The truth is, this natural and herbal supplement has been used for a variety of reasons throughout history.
For seniors who suffer from arthritis or other joint pain, sleep disorders, anxiety, or depression, CBD oil may offer an effective alternative to prescription medications that can have harmful side effects. It is recommended to always speak with a doctor before starting a CBD oil regime, as it does have some known medication interactions.
It's important that seniors start taking care of themselves now instead of waiting until they're in extreme pain before trying something new because this could be too late for their body to heal.