8 Benefits of CBD for Seniors

CBD, also known as the bliss molecule, is becoming more mainstream as more is becoming known about its many benefits. It is a natural medication used throughout human history to treat various ailments and disorders. It can be challenging to come to terms with the hardships of navigating through the passages of time, but CBD could make it easier. Keep reading to discover why this natural drug might be just the thing to take the edge off the effects aging has on your body and mind.

What is CBD

CBD is one of the main compounds found in the cannabis plant alongside its famous counterpart, THC, and around 120 lesser-known ones. CBD is non-psychoactive and won't create the feeling of being "high" but will create a sense of calm and well-being. It's nonaddictive and legal in most places.

The Benefits of CBD for an Aging Population

Although I am specifically targeting seniors and the benefits they may be aiming to address, CBD benefits every one of any age demographic.

  1. Alleviates Pain

CBD oil is proven effective at fighting pain, and some studies show that it can reduce pain 30% more than traditional prescription medications or medical marijuana treatment of THC alone. As if that wasn't enough of a reason to incorporate CBD, it also has fewer side effects and won't lead to addiction. With 75% of seniors coping with chronic pain, arthritis and other inflammatory and pain-related illnesses, this could be a game-changer. This miracle drug works by reducing inflammation which is responsible for most pain. If you are suffering from joint pain, arthritis, or Multiple Sclerosis, then CBD could drastically improve your quality of life.

  1. Balances the Effects of Mood Disorders

As we get older, mood swings can become more frequent and intense. This is natural but can also be caused by significant changes such as declining health, loss, and grief. If these mood swings are left unchecked, they can become more estranged from society and the people they love, which increases the risk of mental illness. CBD comes to the rescue by interacting with the brain receptors involved in mood regulation, helping reduce stress, calm the mind, and improve cognitive functions. All of these positively impact mood.

  1. Improves Quality of Sleep

Insomnia is common in North America, but even more so with the older generation. Sleep is essential for regeneration and removing harmful toxins that build up throughout the day, regardless of age. We need 7-9 hours a night, more if you're a woman, or our bodies suffer the harmful, long-term consequences. As you age, the worsening quality of sleep is caused by changes in sleep patterns and leads many to turn to dangerous sleep medications. While these prescription drugs are effective, they are harmful and can lead to dependence, addiction, and worse sleep concerns as time goes on.

  1. Promotes Bone Health

After 35, osteoporosis starts to kick in, and once strong, bones begin to lose minerals, making them more fragile. Falls happen, but with weakened bones, instead of leaving you with a bruise, it could leave you with fractured bones. According to studies, falls are the number one cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries to the elderly. The weakening of bones is a natural part of aging. Still, CBD can help by reducing inflammation, encouraging cell repair, strengthening bones, and helping to heal faster when a fracture happens.

  1. Prevents Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, affecting more than 80 million people, most of whom are over the age of 40. There is currently no cure, but if you take action, this awful disease can be controlled before it leads to vision loss or blindness. Built-up liquid behind the eyes causes pressure, damaging the optic nerves, which is Glaucoma. It's now believed that cannabis can relieve this pressure on the eyes, and CBD is no different. This natural non-hallucinogen is a better option for people who aren't interested in getting "high."

  1. Good For Your Heart

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for seniors, which is heavily attributed to high blood pressure. That is why you always see those blood pressure machines at pharmacies, making it easier to monitor your levels. CBD has shown promise as an alternative treatment for high blood pressure, lowers stress which leads to high blood pressure, and the high levels of antioxidants lower cardiac inflammation. Pairing this cannabinoid with a heart-healthy diet will leave you feeling healthier.

  1. Helps with Neurodegenerative Diseases

The most common neurodegenerative diseases are Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, erecting millions of people globally. Aging is the primary factor, and one in ten people over 65 will develop at least one of these diseases. These conditions are caused by damage to neurons in the brain, affecting your nervous system and spinal cord. Losing these vital nerve cells leads to declines in motor and cognitive functions, drastically affecting the quality and length of life. CBD can help restore some of these functions while reducing inflammation, which worsens the symptoms of these diseases.

  1. Youthful and Glowing skin

Everyone wants to stay looking young for as long as possible, and CBD is here to do the job. It combats the adverse effects of free radicals on the skin, feeds your skin the antioxidants and moisture it craves, and can improve elasticity. All these things together make it one of the most effective skincare products to leave your skin as healthy and youthful as possible. Best Ways to incorporate it into your daily routine

There is no right or wrong way, but there are better ways to utilize CBD, depending on what you intend to treat with it. For skincare and topical treatments, it's best to find a cream or oil that focuses on your problem area. For many other uses, it's best to ingest it in whatever form you prefer so that it can travel throughout your body, spreading its benefits wherever you need it. Everyone's bodies are different, so finding the suitable method and dose for you could take time, but keep going! Your health is worth it.

Do you use CBD to combat the effects of aging? Let us know in the comments.