The Benefits of Cannabis for People Over 50
People in the age groups above 50, or above 65, are increasingly using cannabis to treat medical conditions they are struggling with. Research even suggests that cannabis consumption is going up at a faster rate among these demographic groups, compared to younger cohorts. What are the benefits, and what are the risks that seniors should consider when going for the green buds?
Senior Folks Use Cannabis to Treat the Same Problems Like Everybody Else
One of the implications of wider cannabis legalization is that people of all ages and backgrounds are starting to use it. This includes people who are over 50 or 60 years old, who likely grew up through prohibition, or who might have not had the best opinion about marijuana over the decades; they may have not been familiar at all with the health benefits of it anyway. But they are now considering it as a medical supplement.
Older adults primarily use cannabis medicines to treat insomnia, chronic pains and anxiety. Those are, in fact, some of the most common reasons why people reach out to cannabis in general. According to one research, the use of cannabis may help reduce the use of prescription medications for insomnia by around 30 percent in those aged above 65, and this may be true for an array of other conditions. When they reach out for cannabis medicines, senior citizens openly discuss their use with healthcare providers, suggests the same piece of research.
What Other Health Benefits People Over 50 Could Experience from Cannabis?
Chronic disorders worsen with age. Pain symptoms aggravate and neurological conditions become even more difficult. Cannabis may help those in the age groups above 50 to offer symptom relief; however, it should be approached with caution, especially if the person is taking other medications.
Pain Relief
As you get older, arthritis, back or knee pain, neuropathic pain, and so on, just get worse. Senior citizens can always turn to cannabis to medicate any musculoskeletal issue and alleviate the stubborn pains.
Mental Health
Another common use of cannabis is to manage anxiety, depression, and other mood-related disorders. Those who want to avoid more prescription pills in their medicine cabinet, and who respond well to cannabis, can certainly make use of the various available herb-based preparations, whether they are THC or CBD-based, to practice self-care.
Relaxation and Comfort
A growing number of older adults consume cannabis simply to relax and reduce stress, by that prioritizing their wellness. People may find comfort in cannabis when facing the challenges of aging. Whether it’s accepting physical decline or facing fears of dependence, loneliness or loss of friends, even a tiny bit of weed can always make things a little less bitter.
Recreational Use
Cannabis is therapeutic by default, but it doesn’t mean it has to be taken only as medication. Individuals regardless of their age can use cannabis just to enjoy the feeling of being ‘high’ and not fret about anything at least for a moment.
Maintaining Physical Health with Gardening
For those elderly folks who want to take things a step further, they can always try and grow their own buds. A lot of veterans suffering from PTSD actually grow their own plants. For those who’ve never been into it, the gray hair era is a second chance to fall in love with neglected activities such as gardening: taking care of flowers and being able to collect some medicinal fruits. An added bonus of this hobby is indeed being more physically active, especially if it’s an outdoor garden. Staying fit and active as you age is just better for your overall health, and every physical activity counts.
What Are the Potential Risks If You Are a Senior Using Cannabis?
As much as enthusiastic people over 50 might be about trying and medicating with cannabis, they also need to consider some of the age-related risks when it comes to its ingestion.
Metabolic Changes
First things first, it’s metabolic changes. As we age our bodies become less efficient. For cannabis, this means it’s being metabolized more slowly. It would still be different from person to person, because not everyone ages the same way. But people above fifty often have higher mass of body fat on the expense of muscle loss. THC binds with fat and the effects might be more pronounced, which may not fully suit those who are prone to experience side effects from weed.
Balance and Coordination
As we age, we also see the decline of our locomotor functions. Some of our movements may not be so swift, or some people may be impaired and significantly limited with certain bodily movements. Cannabis affects balance and may impair muscle coordination, especially if too much THC is consumed. In this case, it pays to be careful not to sprain an ankle or broke a bone because you were too high and didn’t watch your steps where you were going.
Cognitive Decline
Cannabis consumption makes an impact on the brain, and this might be an issue for elderly folks who already suffer from cognitive impairments due to an underlying illness. Frequent exposure to THC might aggravate existing symptoms such as memory loss, difficulty communicating, or problem-solving, among others. In that case, CBD might work better if the goal is to primarily treat symptoms like poor sleep or chronic pain.
Risky Interactions Between Cannabis and Prescription Pills
Older people are more likely to take medications for a variety of age-related health disorders, such as those for heart conditions. Combining cannabis with prescription pills is largely an uncharted territory, and its use might in some cases exacerbate the underlying health problem or lead to serious side effects.
For anyone above the age of 50, and especially if they are taking other meds, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider prior to taking cannabis. Opting for low-potency THC products is also a good idea, as this will reduce any negative effects such as anxiety or paranoia in those who are prone to experience these reactions.
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Stephen Andrews
