CBD for Seniors: Is It Right for You?

Are you curious about CBD? Find out how to pick the right brand for your needs and lifestyle with these 9 valuable tips.
An older woman purchases CBD oil from a pharmacist

CBD is a compound that can be found in both hemp and marijuana plants, and it has become increasingly popular in recent years for its potential health benefits. While CBD is not yet FDA-approved for any specific condition, it has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including anxiety, pain, and insomnia. Seniors may find CBD especially beneficial, as they are more likely to suffer from these conditions. Additionally, CBD has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated in humans, even in large doses. This makes it a good option for seniors who may not be able to tolerate other medications or treatments.

CBD Benefits for Seniors

CBD for seniors has been growing in popularity as a natural relief for many health conditions. Based on findings in multiple research studies, CBD can provide natural relief for over 50 conditions. These include arthritis in seniors, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, stress-related disorders, depression and more.

CBD has a variety of potential health benefits that may be especially beneficial for seniors. These include:

  • Reducing pain and inflammation: Among the top reasons seniors are turning to CBD is that it has been studied and shown to reduce inflammation. A survey from Remedy Review found that reducing inflammation prompted 42% of seniors to give it a try. CBD has been shown to be effective in treating various types of pain, including chronic pain.
  • Improving sleep: CBD can help to improve sleep quality and quantity, making it a good option for seniors who often struggle with insomnia.
  • Reducing anxiety: CBD has been shown to reduce anxiety levels in both humans and animals. This may be especially beneficial for seniors, who often suffer from anxiety disorders. It can also help seniors keep their spirits high even if their health is failing.
  • Improving heart health: CBD may help to improve heart health by reducing blood pressure and inflammation. This may be especially beneficial for seniors, who are at an increased risk for heart disease.

Chronic pain is a problem known to affect 88% of seniors. This is naturally a driver for checking out CBD.

The benefits of CBD for seniors are uniquely matched to the pain points and conditions that generally affect seniors. It is positioned to be an ideal solution for improving health, life, and well-being as we age.

Is CBD Safe for Seniors?

CBD is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, even in large doses. However, it is always important to talk to your doctor before beginning any new medication or supplement, including CBD. Additionally, seniors should be aware that CBD may interact with other medications they are taking. Therefore, it is important to discuss all medications and supplements with a doctor before starting CBD.

Ingestion Options

One of the big issues that keep seniors from trying CBD is confusion about CBD. It is often incorrectly thrown into one bucket with THC and marijuana. Yet, unlike THC, CBD is non psychoactive. Ingesting it will not make the user high. However, it does provide distinct health benefits.

Some people don’t yet realize all the options for trying out CBD products. CBD is an extract that can be consumed topically, transdermally, or as an ingestible. For localized pain relief, a topical balm, oil or soak are great ideas. For whole body relief, without smoking, CBD tinctures offer an easy way to drop the tincture under the tongue.

Many seniors love to use tinctures for versatility. In addition to placing drops under the tongue, the drops can be put into beverages. CBD can easily be consumed in chewable gummy form. Trying CBD in different forms offers a variety of options, all of which are easy and convenient.

According to use studies, many seniors prefer to ingest CBD directly in the mouth, with drops or capsules. This enables people to monitor effects, adjust dosage, and have complete control over their intake. Both drops and capsules offer a discreet and easy option.

For seniors who want localized pain relief, patches can be used. Patches offer slow release through the skin, over a period of time, such as 12 hours. This can be useful for finding relief for inflammation or pain, such as back pain.

Close-up of an elderly woman receiving a small bottle of CBD oil

5 Considerations for Ease of Use

If you’re trying CBD for senior citizens for the first time, here are 5 things to keep in mind.

• Everyone is Different

Your body, metabolism, and tolerances are unique to you. Your friend, spouse, or neighbor may have a different tolerance. By respecting your uniqueness, you’ll be able to decide what works best for you.

• Medications Vary

You may be on a medication, or combination of medications that could potentially affect the metabolism of CBD. It’s important to consult your physician before trying CBD for the first time.

• Standardize Your Approach

Start slow. Start small. Go slow. With a deliberate approach, it’s easier to records of dosages. You’ll have a precise way to evaluate what brands, dosages, and determine which delivery methods work best for you.

• Experiment with Ingestion Options

One friend might love gummies. Another may prefer patches. A third may be singing the praises of tinctures. What is best for you? Experiment and discover the ingestion options that work for your body, lifestyle, and tolerance.

• Evaluate Your Experience

Keep good records. Explore the immediate, middle term, and long-term impact of different brands and dosages. While you may be focused on a specific issue such as inflammation or pain relief, keep an eye out for broader benefits. Look for quality of life, mood, and energy levels. Daily, weekly, and monthly records can help you evaluate your personal experience. In the Remedy Review study, 65 % of seniors who tried CBD for seniors said their quality of life was good. 51% of seniors experienced an improved quality of life after trying CBD.

An infographic of how CBD oil works in the human body

4 Ways to Get Peace of Mind

Much like picking the best vegetable, meat, or vitamin, choosing the best brand of CBD can give you a tremendous sense of confidence. Here are 4 ways to achieve peace of mind when it comes to selecting your brand.

• Sourcing

When you’re evaluating different brands, experts advise paying close attention to the source. CBD is an extract from plants. As such, selecting a source is in line with choosing hemp sources that are reputable and certified.

U.S. farmers are required to be certified by state agriculture departments. Most brands share data of their sources, including background information such as if the product is organic, local, and free from chemicals.

• Manufacturing

Select brands for their safe manufacturing methods. For example, Whole Plant Infusion infuses CBD into oil using only heat and pressure. This eliminates the use of heavy chemicals, usually associated with extraction.

Be alert that lower-priced brands may employ manufacturing methods involving dangerous or toxic solvents. Pay attention to this, so that you can evaluate the efficacy of the product, without worrying about chemicals used in manufacturing.

• Third Party Testing

Reputable brands use third party testing to verify the milligrams of CBD in the product. Additionally, third-party testing reveals the presence of pesticides or heavy metals. If you do not see a label about third-party testing, call the manufacturer to get their testing results.

• Get Physician Confirmation

Before beginning a new pain or health management methodology such as CBD for seniors, consult with your physician. He or she may have new insights based in scientific studies and will be able to advise you what is best for your body and health status.

Assistance Club Summary

When you’re happy, feeling a positive benefit, and enjoying a sense of well-being, it’s natural to share the good news with those you love. The big question is, “Would you recommend family members of friends to try CBD for health-related reasons?”

In the CBD survey, 89% of seniors surveyed said, “yes!”

Whether you’re looking for pain relief, a better mood, better sleep quality, or just plain curious—it might be time to check out CBD for seniors for yourself.

We hope this Senior Assistance Club article has helped shed some light on the many benefits of CBD for seniors!