When I was 25, I competed in a triathlon and came in third – pretty respectable if you ask me. Now, half the time I’m as stiff as a board just walking up and down the stairs. Researching ways to regain my range of movement led me down some strange paths, and one very surprising one: CBD.
There’s a CBD store down the street from my house that has a huge section focused primarily on seniors. As one of the 50 million Americans over 65, I thought that was interesting. Apparently that’s pretty unique because everyone assumes only younger people are using CBD, but that’s not true. The Orlando Sentinel reported a really interesting statistic – the number of seniors who have tried or used CBD and related products has gone up from 5.1% to 18% from 2019 to 2020.
As a senior myself, I decided to try CBD for a variety of reasons, but focusing on one big one – my joints (no pun intended). I’m not alone in looking for CBD as a potential remedy for joint issues. A Gallup poll showed that many Americans reported using CBD products for pain. In fact, the Arthritis Foundation did its own poll and found that the numbers were even higher. And right now, more than 16% of the United States is over the age of 65.
How I Use CBD To Stay Limber
I started using CBD products to try to get more limber and get more flexible. Pain isn’t as much of a problem. For me, it’s more about helping with how stiff I feel all the time. (Being 72-years-old is about as much fun as it sounds).
When I first started using it, I found CBD products came in all shapes and sizes. Edibles, gummies, oils, lotions, creams, and more are all readily available. I decided to use gummies since that just seemed like the most fun. I would take a dose in the morning before my morning walk, and then again in the afternoon before I started doing some light yoga.
I found a yoga class that specializes in helping people become more limber. I’m not one of those people who wants to learn to tie a knot with my legs; I just want to feel loose. My shoulders, hips, and knees are the worst. Sometimes I’m like the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz – I just need an oil can to loosen me up!
Within just a few weeks of using CBD, I experienced a pretty drastic change in my body. Instead of feeling like my body and joints were frozen stiff, everything became more in tune with my mind. I know that sounds a little far out there, but it’s true.
See, CBD (or cannabidiol) is known to calm and relax the mind and body. Lots of people take it for stress and find themselves more relaxed and free from anxiety. For me, it feels like it helps my body work better. Plus, it’s a natural compound, it’s not some lab-grown formula you drink in a shake. I could be wrong, but to me, natural substances are the best choice for helping with physical issues (at least as a first step, anyway).
Stress is a big deal because studies show that it impact’s the body’s immune system. People with high stress and anxiety can suffer from all kinds of health issues, and often they’re at a loss when it comes to solving the problem.
Anyway, for my 72-year-old body, the CBD gummies made a huge difference. I can’t do triathlons, but everyday tasks are no problem. I used to have problems with stairs, but now I don’t – unless I’m carrying my wife’s luggage, but that’s another story. I do yoga three times a week, and I can even play with my grandkids now. My body feels like it’s more at peace, and my mind does too.
I also make sure to take CBD at the right times. Different people will get the best results from dosing at different times. Like I said, before workouts and exercise are the best times for me. I’ve read that other folks need to make sure they take it on a full stomach, or right before bed. It all comes down to what works best for you as an individual.
I can definitely say my old bones move more like they used to, and that makes everyday activities that much easier.