“Aging is not an option, not for anyone. It is how gracefully we handle the process and how lucky we are, as the process handles us.” -Cindy McDonald
There is certainly no shortage of “graceful” aging quotes but this one in particular hits the nail on the head. Growing older is a gift that graces us with wisdom, sophistication and ideally, retirement!
Staying Active Improves Your Life Experience
The International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) says it like this, “We can change the way we age by staying active, to the fullest extent possible, within all areas of life: physical, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, professional, environmental and social. Aging within these dimensions of wellness keeps us involved, alert and enjoying a productive life.”
While this is true, actively aging can come with a slew of unwanted physical and mental side effects, ranging from minor aches and pains to complete loss of bladder function. There are lifestyle choices that will ultimately help to make aging more enjoyable. Of course, diet and exercise are a given but there’s a new and very exciting movement on the horizon and seniors are benefiting vastly.
Support Your Active Aging Lifestyle with CBD
CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is one of over 60 cannabinoids found in the Cannabis plant that has been shown to help reduce inflammation, promote cell repair, strengthen bones and more!
Because there is so much confusion about what CBD is and how it works, we encourage guests to come into our comfortable, safe environment and have an open conversation (in person, over the phone or via messenger). These interactions can range from general curiosity about CBD to very personal situations that end with tears and compassion. With the understanding that you want to continue your active lifestyle in the most comfortable way possible, we work with you to help you understand if CBD might help in that goal.
While CBD isn’t for everyone, there are a handful of more common ailments we hear of and, more often than not, from the active aging community. We’ve addressed the more traditional age-related symptoms below and how CBD can help.
CBD and Arthritis:
Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more of your joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. According to the CDC, 49.6% of senior citizens suffer from this often debilitating condition. CBD for Arthritis engages with the endocannabinoid system in many organs throughout the body, helping to reduce inflammation systemically.
CBD and Bone Health:
As we age, our bodies naturally experience a loss of vital minerals, causing them to become brittle and more prone to breaks/fractures. CBD has been shown to block an enzyme that destroys bone-building compounds in the body, reducing the risk of age-related bone diseases like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Additionally, CBD helps spur the process of new bone-cell formation. This is why it has been found to speed the healing of broken bones and, due to a stronger fracture callus, decrease the likelihood of re-fracturing the bone (bones are 35–50 percent stronger than those of non-treated subjects).
CBD and Neurodegeneration:
CBD has been heavily researched for its neuroprotective properties, meaning that it may help maintain and regulate brain health. The effects appear to be related to several actions it has on the brain, including the removal of damaged cells and the improved efficiency of mitochondria. As the brain ages, the creation of new neurons slows down significantly. In order to maintain brain health and prevent degenerative diseases, new cells need to be continuously created. A 2008 study showed that low doses of CBD- and THC-like cannabinoids encouraged the creation of new nerve cells in animal models, even in aging brains.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs12035-019-1637-8
CBD and Blood Pressure:
According to research, 33% of American adults aged 20 and above suffer from hypertension. This condition of chronically elevated blood pressure is known as hypertension, and it can wreak havoc on your health. The number rises to 66% for adults in mid-60 and above, dramatically increasing the risk of having heart failure, heart attacks, or strokes. While we have a lot more to learn, the available studies show that CBD lowers normal blood pressure as well as blood pressure impacted by various stressors.
In the end, wrinkles show you laughed, grey hair is a sign you cared and body aches demonstrate a life well-lived. There are many reasons to be grateful for our old age and with the stigma of Cannabis lifted, we can add CBD to that growing list.