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Senior health and CBD
The legalisation of cannabis has made CBD products more accessible to many people around the world. You can easily order or buy them at your local wellness shop without a prescription. If you have experienced the benefits firsthand, you may have considered sharing them with loved ones, especially parents.
As a non-addictive supplement, CBD is suitable for people of all ages and is even recommended by some vets for animals. So giving CBD to your parents comes as no surprise, but of course requires a bit of exploration. We at Reakiro decided to dig into the question of what to know about CBD oil for elderly, what are CBD’s potential benefits for older adults, and of course, look into seniors and CBD research findings.
Pros: CBD benefits for seniors
- Pain Management and arthritis
The positive effects of CBD on aging are increasingly recognised, particularly in addressing CBD and arthritis relief in older adults. Research suggests about positive impact of CBD on chronic conditions in seniors, including arthritis. By interacting with the endocannabinoid system, CBD may reduce inflammation and provide relief from joint pain. This highlights its promising role in improving mobility and enhancing the quality of life for seniors struggling with chronic pain. According to The US Arthritis Foundation official position they’re intrigued by the potential of CBD to help people find pain relief. [1] Though ‘CBD may help with arthritis-related symptoms, such as pain, insomnia and anxiety…CBD should never be used to replace disease-modifying drugs that help prevent permanent joint damage in inflammatory types of arthritis.’ Industry reports suggest that people with arthritis are among the top buyers of CBD products, and pain is the top reason for the purchase. The Arthritis Foundation's July 2019 survey of 2,600 people with arthritis shows significant use of and interest in CBD (cannabidiol). Previous surveys have consistently shown that pain is the most distressing symptom of arthritis.
- Improved Sleep
Older adults often experience sleep problems, such as insomnia, which can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness. The question of CBD and sleep improvement in elderly has been studied for its potential to promote better sleep by helping seniors achieve a more restful and rejuvenating sleep experience by calming the mind and body. Please refer to CBD and Sleep article for more information on this topic.
- Anxiety and Stress Relief
Anxiety relief with CBD for seniors is a promising area that’s been of interest to many researchers. Anxiety disorders are prevalent among seniors and often coexist with other medical conditions, contributing to diminished well-being. CBD’s calming effects may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and promote a greater sense of calm and relaxation by modulating neurotransmitter activity in the brain. According to the 2019 study, CBD has been shown to help reduce anxiety through a simulated public speaking test at doses of 300mg to 600mg in single-dose studies, with the evidence pointing toward a calming effect for CBD in the central nervous system.
Check our latest article CBD & Anxiety.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties
Chronic inflammation is a common factor in numerous age-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. One of cannabidiol advantages is that it has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties by interacting with receptors involved in immune response and inflammation regulation. Anti-inflammatory properties of CBD for seniors may help mitigate inflammation and reduce the risk of associated health complications in seniors.
Cons: Risks of CBD for older adults
When talking about CBD oil for elderly side effects it's crucial to acknowledge things like possible drug interactions, quality control and regulation concerns. Understanding the impact of what you consume on your body is crucial. So, let's take a closer look at these concerns one by one.
- Drug Interactions
CBD oil is sold without a prescription. However, it's always a good idea to consult your doctor before introducing any new supplement. This can help you avoid any potential adverse effects or reduced efficacy of certain drugs. Without proper medical supervision, unexpected interactions could potentially worsen existing health conditions.
- Side Effects
While CBD is considered to be safe let’s look at some of the side effects of CBD in older population. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), CBD has a good safety profile and is generally well-tolerated. Any reported adverse effects may be due to drug interactions between CBD and a patient's existing medications. As we age, our metabolism and sensitivity to substances change, which can make seniors more susceptible to side effects such as fatigue, diarrhoea, and changes in appetite or weight.
- Cost Considerations
It's true that CBD products may not be the cheapest option, but it's important to remember that investing in quality means investing in safety and reliability. By paying a higher price, you can be confident that your product is coming from a reputable source that prioritises quality and safety. So when buying CBD oil for elderly, one of the things you want to check are the CoAs (certificates of analysis) to ensure the absence of genetically modified components, pesticides, and chemical fertilisers.
- Legal and Social Stigma
Although CBD is becoming more widely accepted, it's understandable that legal restrictions in some areas may discourage older adults from using it as a potential therapy. Additionally, the social stigma surrounding cannabis-related products may cause seniors to be hesitant to discuss or explore CBD as a viable healthcare solution, which could deprive them of potential benefits. However, it's important to note that CBD has been shown to have numerous health benefits and it's worth considering as a potential option for improving overall wellbeing.
Senior-friendly CBD products
Okay, you’ve learnt what are the advantages of CBD, and you know what to keep in mind when choosing the best cbd oil for elderly, but what about the type of product and the dosage?
1. Taste
Some CBD products have a distinct earthy hemp flavour that many people don't like. While it may seem like a more 'natural' taste, some don't want to compromise on taste and prefer CBD products with added flavourings. Enter CBD gummies and CBD sprays. For example, on our website, you can find several options such as Reakiro Apple & Lemon flavour gummies, Orange or Cherry gummies, which are vegan. When it comes to sprays, Reakiro caters to different tastes and ensures a pleasurable experience with flavours like Apple, Apple Crumble & Custard, Peppermint and Blood Orange. So stop #1 – decide whether you want hemp taste or you’re more interested in delighting your senses with the flavourful experience.
2. Form
Are you or the person you're buying CBD for comfortable swallowing capsules? For many people, especially older people, it may not be the most comfortable experience. In this case, it's better to opt for the best CBD oils for older adults or CBD sprays. However options like CBD gummies would be even better, as they give you a pre-measured dose of CBD each time. Another thing to consider is topical CBD products. Offering more precise and targeted relief, they may be just the CBD products you've been looking for.
3. Dosage & Concentration
When people ask us how much CBD they should take, we always say to use the golden rule - start low and slow. That's because we're all different and unique, and it makes sense that the perfect dosage for one person might not be enough for another. So the dosage considerations for elderly CBD users aren't really any different from the rest. The biggest factors that would affect your optimal CBD dose include your age, your weight, your health, your endocannabinoid levels and your sensitivity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when thinking about CBD for older individuals, whether for personal use or for a loved one, it's important to consider various factors. From potential benefits to risks and legal considerations, navigating the world of CBD can be complex. However, Reakiro is here to help. If you have any questions or concerns about CBD for older adults, please feel free to contact us. Our team is here to help you make well-informed decisions about CBD usage for seniors. We are committed to providing guidance and assistance every step of the way.
FAQs
1. Can CBD make me high?
Absolutely not. The percentage of THC (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) molecules that cause the `high` effect in CBD products is very low and is not enough to make you feel stoned.
2. Is CBD illegal?
In many countries, CBD derived from hemp (cannabis plants containing 0.3% THC or less) is legal. The legality of CBD varies from country to country, so we suggest checking it before travelling with your favourite CBD products.
3. Can I use CBD alongside my current medications?
Before incorporating CBD into your wellness routine, be sure to check this with your doctor.
4. Is CBD addictive?
CBD (cannabidiol) is not addictive. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not produce the "high" typically associated with cannabis use, nor does it exhibit addictive properties like nicotine or opioids.
