Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses essential oils to promote health and healing. It can be characterized as “the art and practice of using aromatic plants, flowers, herbs, and other natural sources to provide therapeutic benefit to the body, mind, or spirit. Aromatherapy is very popular among residents at assisted living apartments. Many people swear by it, but is it good for seniors? In this article, we will examine why aromatherapy is good for seniors.

 

1. Helps Reduce ADHD Symptoms

Much evidence shows that aromatherapy is a very effective way to reduce symptoms of ADHD in adults. The reason? Aromatherapy is believed to help brain cells and nerves to relax. For example, it can be used to reduce depression. In addition, experts say that aromatherapy can be useful in conditions like autism and even in the management of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

 

2. Acts as an Antidepressant

Research has recently shown that smell can help improve mood and reduce stress levels. Aromatherapy is also associated with a reduction in symptoms of stress and anxiety. It may also lead to improved circulation, muscle relaxation, and more. In addition, it helps relieve pain in joints, backaches, and headaches.

 

3. Treats Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Many people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) experience better health and increased energy when using aromatherapy products. CFS is a condition that causes extreme tiredness, despite no obvious physical symptoms of illness. Some people find that aromatherapy supplements help with fatigue. Others have found that adding essential oils to their day-to-day life helps them improve their health conditions. Some also believe that using essential oils can help reduce stress and anxiety.

 

4. Promotes Good Sleep and Increases Alertness

Aromatherapy can help people who have trouble falling asleep. It can also help increase alertness during the day because of its relaxing effects on the brain. Aromatherapy can also be used as an effective way to deal with insomnia or poor sleep quality. In assisted living apartments, those first few nights can be the hardest to adjust, and the familiar scent of aromatherapy can help tremendously! 

 

5. Supports Mind and Muscular Health

Essential oils can also help maintain a positive mental state. Regular use of essential oils can promote emotional well-being through improved cognitive clarity and emotional stability. This can benefit people suffering from anxiety or mood disorders like depression.

 

6. Helps Prevent Diabetes and Heart Disease

Regular use of essential oils has been widely shown to increase the amount of insulin the body makes, which in turn helps improve blood sugar levels in diabetics. It can also help prevent heart disease and other cardiovascular disorders.

 

7. Promotes Digestive Health

Aromatherapy is commonly used to promote digestive health in many different ways. Some people like to take essential oils directly by swallowing drops, while others like to use aromatherapy oil or essential oil capsules to help improve digestion. Aromatherapy can also help ease the symptoms of indigestion and gas. This is because aromatherapy improves the circulation and metabolism of the intestines.

 

8. Helps With Tinnitus, Including Migraine

Natural essential oils can help prevent or, when necessary, reduce symptoms of tinnitus. Research has shown that aromatherapy supplements can effectively prevent or treat tinnitus by increasing blood flow to the ears. Their calming result reduces brain activity resulting in a reduction in tinnitus irritability.

 

9. Helps in the Management of Seasonal Allergies

Following aromatherapy supplements can help improve symptoms of seasonal allergies by improving lung function or increasing the amount of air inhaled during the day. The essential oils will also help relieve congestion and soothe irritation in nasal passages.

 

10. Helps Arthritis Sufferers and Others Who Struggle With Painful Conditions

Aromatherapy can ease pain associated with arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other painful conditions. They can also help relieve discomfort and improve muscle relaxation.

A senior woman who lives at assisted living apartments applying essential oils on her hand

 

11. Helps Skin and Hair Health

In aromatherapy, essential oils are thought to have skin benefits as well as benefits for the hair. For example, they can help prevent dandruff by clearing excess toxins from scalp cells. They can also reduce dry skin by relieving inflammation and reducing redness in the skin. However, some essential oils are known to dry out hair causing it to become brittle and break easily.

 

12. Acts as an Antimicrobial

Aromatherapy can also be used to fight off infection. Many people with colds or bacterial infections have found that essential oils help clear the symptoms faster. Essential oils can also be used topically to treat dry skin conditions.

 

13. Relieves Digestive Issues

Essential oils can also be used to treat common digestive issues such as constipation and diarrhea. For example, peppermint, ginger, and other essential oils will help fight off those recurring stomach aches and cramps. However, it is recommended to consult a medical professional before using any essential oils to relieve diarrhea or constipation.

 

14. Gives You Energy

Some natural essential oils, like citrus or minty scents, can give you instant energy. But all fragrances are not created equal. Some scents can leave you feeling nauseous after a while.  

 

15. Relaxes You

Some people have found that aromatherapy helps them to relax and fall asleep faster. There are certain scents known to be more relaxing than others, for example, lavender and chamomile. You can use other scents as long as they are known to be relaxing. For example, your favorite perfume or cologne you wear in everyday life can be a great choice.

 

16. Makes You Feel Happy

Aroma therapy is often thought to be good for the “mood.” Essential oils are said to make you feel happy or euphoric. You can also get energy from a mood-boosting scent. For example, citrus or floral aromas can lift your mood like conventional perfumes.

17. Acts as an Anti-inflammatory

Essential oils have been noted to have anti-inflammatory effects on the body. For example, peppermint oil has been shown to relieve inflammation in the body. It has also been shown to be effective at reducing the pain of arthritis. Essential oils can also reduce inflammation in the skin by relieving redness and dryness.

 

Aromatherapy and Senior Living

Essential oils for aromatherapy offer several benefits to their users. Do not try to smell all the essential oils at once. Start with only a few and try to use them in different ways. Always ask someone if you are unsure what to use essential oil for or how it should be used. Seniors living in assisted living apartments need to ask for help if they want to use essential oils, as the fragrances may be too strong for their age group.

Aromatherapy plays a large part in both wellness and happiness. It benefits people of all ages, especially seniors who may be more sedentary than younger age groups. Therefore, we place a high value on aromatherapy and encourage it for our residents. At Sabal Palms, we measure our success on the Wellness and Happiness factors. Contact us for more information about how these factors play a role in assisted living apartments.