Benefits of Aromatherapy for Seniors: Relaxation and Cognitive Support
Aromatherapy, or using essential oils to promote physical and emotional well-being, has grown in popularity as a complementary therapy for seniors. For older adults dealing with stress, anxiety, or cognitive challenges such as dementia, aromatherapy offers a gentle, noninvasive approach to improving quality of life. It holds promise in enhancing relaxation and supporting cognitive function.
In this blog, we’ll explore the therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy for seniors, especially on how it can help with cognitive support.
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils derived from plants to promote holistic health. These oils are typically inhaled, applied to the skin, or diffused into the air, allowing their natural properties to exert physical, emotional, and psychological effects.
According to the International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA), essential oils interact with the limbic system of the brain, which is linked to emotions, memories, and behaviour. Some applications can include addressing stress, anxiety, and cognitive conditions.
Methods of Incorporating Aromatherapy
Using aromatherapy for seniors can be done in the following ways:
Diffusion: Using an essential oil diffuser to fill a room with calming or invigorating scents.
Topical Application: Diluting essential oils with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, for massage therapy.
Inhalation: Encouraging seniors to inhale the aroma directly from a bottle or via steam inhalation.
Baths: Adding a few drops of essential oils to bathwater for a relaxing experience.
When using essential oils for aromatherapy, it is important to use high-quality ones after consulting with a qualified aromatherapist. Essential oil safety must also be practised to ensure the health and safety of seniors with sensitive skin or pre-existing conditions. It is important to note that there are essential oils that can be hazardous to individuals who may have allergies or when incorrectly administered. Before commencing any new therapeutic activity, always consult with a doctor beforehand.
The Benefits of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy can provide several benefits for seniors, enhancing their physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being. Some of the key benefits may include:
Cognitive Support
Cognitive decline, including conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, is challenging for both seniors and their families. Dementia Support Australia supports the use of aromatherapy as a complementary therapy, acknowledging its role in enhancing mood and reducing distress.
Aromatherapy may support cognitive function and reduce symptoms such as agitation, restlessness, and confusion. According to Home Care Assistance, essential oils like rosemary, lemon, and peppermint can stimulate memory and focus, while lavender and lemon balm are effective in calming agitation in dementia patients. These can be particularly helpful for seniors experiencing cognitive decline or living with dementia.
Stress, Anxiety and Depression Reduction
Anxiety and depression are common among older adults and can lead to isolation and a diminished sense of well-being. Aromatherapy has shown promise in alleviating these symptoms. For instance, a study reviewed by ARIIA highlights how aromatherapy can help lessen heightened anxiety and agitation among people living with dementia.
Essential oils such as ylang-ylang and frankincense may have uplifting properties, reducing feelings of worry and sadness. When used as part of a personalised care routine, these oils can provide emotional comfort and stability for seniors experiencing psychological distress. On the other hand, essential oils like lavender and bergamot have calming properties that may help reduce stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation and emotional balance.
Improved Sleep Quality
Scents such as lavender, chamomile, and ylang-ylang are known for their calming properties and promote restful sleep. These natural aromas may reduce stress and anxiety, helping the body and mind relax before bedtime. This can be especially helpful for those who experience difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep due to various factors, including stress or environmental disturbances.
For seniors, the potential benefits of these scents are particularly significant, as insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns become more common with age. Poor sleep can cause a domino effect on overall health, exacerbating issues such as fatigue, memory problems, and even chronic conditions. The gentle and non-invasive nature of aromatherapy could be a good solution for older adults seeking to improve their sleep quality.
Pain Management
When applied topically in diluted forms, aromatherapy may help relax muscles, reduce swelling, and alleviate pain, providing a natural alternative or supplement to conventional pain relief methods. For individuals with arthritis, the warming and anti-inflammatory properties of ginger and eucalyptus oils could be particularly beneficial in soothing stiff, swollen joints. Peppermint oil, known for its cooling effect, may provide targeted relief for muscle aches and tension.
The therapeutic aromas also promote relaxation, which can ease the stress and tension often associated with chronic pain conditions. Aromatherapy's holistic nature not only addresses physical discomfort but also supports mental well-being, making it a useful addition to a comprehensive pain management plan.
Relaxation and Mood Enhancement
Seniors often face heightened levels of stress due to factors like health issues, loss of loved ones, or changes in living circumstances. Diffusing these oils in a senior’s living space or incorporating them into massage therapy can create a soothing environment that fosters relaxation. Aromatherapy sessions also provide an opportunity for mindfulness, helping seniors feel more grounded and connected to the present moment.
Essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, and bergamot are often used for their calming effects. Uplifting scents like citrus oils (e.g., orange and grapefruit) can boost mood and reduce feelings of depression or apathy.
Respiratory Support
For elderly people who have chronic respiratory conditions like congestion and asthma, incorporating essential oils like eucalyptus and tea tree oil may provide natural relief. Eucalyptus oil has anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties which helps clear blocked airways, making breathing easier. When inhaled, it can loosen mucus and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, providing significant comfort during colds or allergies.
Similarly, tea tree oil, known for its antimicrobial and antiseptic qualities, may help combat infections that may exacerbate respiratory conditions. These oils are often used in steam inhalation or diffusers, delivering their therapeutic effects directly to the lungs. When used correctly and in appropriate concentrations, they can be a gentle yet effective complement to traditional treatments, fostering a sense of relief and well-being.
Immune System Boost
Seniors are prone to having a weakened immune system. With this, incorporating frankincense and thyme oils which have antimicrobial properties may help support the immune system and help the body fight off infections. They can be used in diffusers, added to carrier oils for topical application, or included in steam inhalations to deliver their benefits effectively.
Frankincense may help strengthen the body’s defences by reducing inflammation and combating harmful pathogens. Its soothing aroma also promotes relaxation and stress reduction, which are key factors in maintaining a resilient immune system. Similarly, thyme oil is packed with potent compounds like thymol, known for its ability to fight bacteria and fungi. While these oils offer promising support for immune health, it is crucial to use them responsibly and in moderation, as improper use may cause irritation or adverse reactions.
Aromatherapy as Complementary Therapy
Aromatherapy complements other therapeutic practices, such as massage and meditation, by enhancing their benefits and fostering a more holistic approach to senior care. When combined with massage, essential oils like lavender or chamomile can promote relaxation, soothe tense muscles, and improve circulation, contributing to both physical and emotional well-being.
In meditation, aromatherapy can enrich the experience by fostering a calming and focused environment. Scents such as frankincense or sandalwood are known for their calming properties, helping to quiet the mind and enhance mindfulness. This integration not only supports emotional balance but can also improve overall mental clarity and reduce stress levels.
By incorporating aromatherapy into these practices, caregivers can offer a more comprehensive and nurturing approach to senior care, addressing both physical and emotional needs in a synergistic way. Aromatherapy for seniors should always be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially for those with existing medical conditions or sensitivities, to ensure safety and effectiveness.
More Reading: De-escalation and Calming Techniques for People Living with Dementia
Benefits of Aromatherapy to Carers
Aromatherapy can offer valuable benefits to carers by fostering a calm and harmonious environment. In high-stress situations or when managing seniors with challenging behaviours associated with dementia, diffusing soothing scents like lavender or bergamot may ease tension for both carers and those in their care. These calming aromas can promote a more peaceful atmosphere, helping to defuse agitation and create a sense of balance during difficult moments.
Carers can also directly benefit from using essential oils to support their well-being. Oils such as peppermint or rosemary may enhance focus and mental clarity while calming scents like chamomile or ylang-ylang may help reduce stress and encourage better sleep. Given the physical and emotional demands of caregiving, incorporating aromatherapy into their self-care routine can be an effective way for carers to manage their health and resilience, enabling them to provide better support to those they care for.
Holistic Approach to Senior Care
Aromatherapy can provide a wealth of benefits for seniors, promoting relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety, and offering cognitive support. Backed by research and expert guidance, this holistic therapy can be a valuable addition to senior care routines. Calming essential oils like lavender can help create a sense of tranquillity, while memory-boosting oils such as rosemary may support cognitive function. By addressing physical, emotional, and psychological needs, aromatherapy can help enhance the overall well-being of older adults, enriching their quality of life.
At Tunstall Healthcare, we understand that a holistic approach—combining emotional wellbeing with physical safety—leads to better outcomes for seniors. When paired with Tunstall’s personal alarms and fall detection technology, aromatherapy can become part of a comprehensive care strategy that supports both independence and peace of mind.
More Reading: How To Create A Dementia-Friendly Home
