It can be very emotionally taxing for our loved ones as their minds and bodies deteriorate over time. This ongoing stress often leads to a further decline in their quality of life, and even increases the risk of developing severe physical and mental health problems. Aromatherapy is a straightforward, effective drug-free method of managing the stress of aging—it can help your loved one feel much better physically and emotionally. With its numerous benefits, aromatherapy should definitely be incorporated into senior living options these days to help older adults. Read on to learn how stress management with aromatherapy can be very beneficial for your loved one!
How Aromatherapy Works
Aromas have an effect on the nervous system as well as the ability to summon important memories back instantaneously. When we smell something, our olfactory senses are activated and send information to regions of the brain controlling our mood, feelings, and memories. These brain regions also govern relaxation and calming reactions, which explains why fragrances can elicit a physical response of stress relief. For instance, you immediately feel more peaceful and relaxed when you walk into a spa with a pleasant, soothing aroma. Aromatherapy is an innovative and effective treatment that employs plant-based essential oils to boost your loved one’s health and mood.
Benefits of Aromatherapy for Your Loved One
According to a 2021 study in the National Library of Medicine, the depression, stress, and anxiety levels of those living in retirement communities significantly decreased, both instantly and a month following aromatherapy using camomile and lavender essential oils! Aromatherapy is simply fantastic for reducing stress as well as relieving specific bodily pains and ailments, such as arthritis and poor blood circulation. Additionally, it benefits elderly people who have respiratory issues and dementia.
All in all, aromatherapy has numerous positive effects for aging adults, including decreased stress, anxiety, depression, constipation, and chronic pain, as well as improved sleep and digestion. Aromatherapy can also assist caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients in handling any difficult behaviors brought on by stress and discomfort.
Recommended Fragrances for Your Loved One’s Aromatherapy
These popular essential oils have a wonderful reputation for soothing the mind, calming the body, and relaxing the senses:
- Peppermint is ideal for those who are very stressed out. It makes one feel instantly happier and helps maintain that sensation for a prolonged period.
- Lavender boosts one’s feelings of satisfaction, and overall temperament, and even strengthens memory.
- Rosemary suits best for those who have dementia as it aids in lowering cortisol levels and enhancing recall.
- Ylang-ylang is great for lowering blood pressure and eliminating germs.
Incorporating aromatherapy is simple. Everyone has personal preferences for fragrances, so start by finding a few that your loved one enjoys. Then, try several methods of scenting the surroundings until you discover what works best for them.
They can simply diffuse essential oil in a glass bottle, spritz it onto their body or pillowcases, add it to a bath bomb, showering oil or salt bath, incorporate them into scented lotions, or wear jewelry or diffuser sachets that emit the fragrance through tiny ceramic beads. No matter how you use the essential oils, aromatherapy will certainly be an effective way to help with your loved one’s stress management!
