According to recent US Census data, all baby boomers will be over 65 by 2030. This generation's aging has and will continue to increase the United States elderly population.
Aging isn't easy, and one of the most challenging aspects of growing older is the inability to stay as active as you once were. There's so much life to live after retirement. Decreased mobility will compromise your quality of life.
How much do you know about CBD products? Did you know they can help you live your best post-retirement life? Read on to find out how using CBD can help older adults.
Your Golden Years Should Be Relaxing
You've lived a lifetime on the go. You've worked hard and raised a family. You've chased a career to its logical conclusion and spent many sleepless nights grinding away for those you love.
Now retirement has come, and retirement, above all else, should be relaxing. Of course, there will still be problems. The trials and tribulations of the human experience will not go away just because you no longer work.
How do you intend to unwind? Is it possible you need a little help going with the flow?
Elderly Anxiety
According to the Geriatric Mental Health Foundation, 10-20% of all elderly adults suffer from some form of anxiety. The symptoms often go undiagnosed and are comorbid with depression.
Though the stigma surrounding mental health issues continues to disappear within our society, older generations still hold their damaging conceptions of mental health.
A study by BUPA UK, an international health insurance company, revealed that two-thirds of the baby boom generation suffers from mental health symptoms, but they do not bother seeking treatment.
According to this study, boomers feel as though mental health information does not apply to them. These perceptions cause delays in seeking treatment. For many, it means not seeking treatment at all.
CBD for Relaxation
According to a study published in The Permanente Journal, CBD shows promise for treating anxiety and sleep disorders.
Relaxation is associated with lower stress levels. Lower stress means better sleep, and more restful sleep correlates with less stress.
The most pernicious aspect of anxiety and how it interacts with your sleep is that it's bi-directional. The more anxious you are, the less likely you'll get a restful night of sleep. A lack of restful sleep exacerbates anxiety.
Unfortunately, deeper scientific investigation is needed to make specific medical claims. CBD has yet to be proven as anxiety and relaxation cure all.
What We Do Know
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of many cannabinoids found in cannabis and hemp plants. The most famous cannabinoid is delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. THC is the intoxicating compound of marijuana.
We also know the body creates cannabinoids through what's known as the endocannabinoid system. Our bodies manufacture these endocannabinoids from Omega fatty acids in our diet.
Your body produces an endocannabinoid called anandamide and synthesizes it when your body signals a need. Anandamide correlates with our pain and pleasure receptors, as well as our mood.
Increased levels of anandamide, or the bliss molecule, associate with feelings of bliss and well-being.
Lack of Mobility Decreases Quality of Life
Aging is inevitable, but if aches and pains keep you from enjoying your retirement years, you're far less likely to live the retirement you dreamed about and planned.
Geriatric depression is linked to many factors, but one of the leading causes is a lack of mobility. According to the APA, 50% of elderly Americans have arthritis.
The geriatric depression brought on by lack of mobility leads to many symptoms:
- Withdrawl
- Restlessness
- Apathy
- Sleep issues
- Sadness
- Increased or decreased appetite
The symptoms of depression, geriatric or otherwise, are the same. The problem is, depression brought on by decreased mobility goes undiagnosed thanks to the previously mentioned hesitancy of older generations.
CBD for Pain
Your body creates endocannabinoids, while the cannabinoids found in plants are known as phytocannabinoids. How phytocannabinoids interact with your body's endocannabinoids is how CBD works.
Some studies again show promise for CBD topical creams and their ability to alleviate the type of pain that causes mobility loss in the elderly population. More research is necessary.
Why are so many people turning to CBD for pain? The answer is simple. People who suffer from chronic pain want a solution other than the prescription pain medication that's caused so much damage.
According to the CDC, more than 36,000 people died from prescription opioid overdoses in 2019.
What We Know About CBD and Pain
Given that many elderly suffer from chronic conditions, and the mobility loss of these conditions contributes to geriatric depression, increasing the elderly quality of life hinges on a greater level of mobility.
What do we know about CBD oil and topicals for pain? Your body releases endocannabinoids like anandamide to provide natural pain relief. Unfortunately, the anandamide released doesn't last long.
An investigation showed that the body metabolizes anandamide with fatty acid amide hydrolase. FAAH breaks down our body's built-in solution to pain relief.
One of the benefits of CBD, especially localized ointment, is its possible ability to slow the metabolization of anandamide. CBD may regulate your body's natural regulation by inhibiting FAAH's processes.
It's therefore possible that judicious use of the best CBD products could give you superior quality of life in your elderly years. Your grandkids, your spouse, and your life await.
CBD Products for Older Adults
You spent your life working hard. You scratched, scrimped, and saved for your retirement. Now you want to enjoy it.
Far too many people cannot enjoy their golden years to the fullest, and with an increasing senior population, more people want to find a mitigation solution.
CBD products may be a way for you to live out your golden years in the best way possible!
Are you interested in trying CBD? Shikai's topical products are paraben and sulfate-free. Explore our products today.