Benefits of Aromatherapy for Seniors

Smell is one of our most powerful senses! The smell of cookies can remind us of our grandma’s favorite homemade recipe, bringing up happy memories. Or, the smell of lavender can soothe or calm us during times of stress.

Using smell and scent as therapy is referred to as aromatherapy. Aromatherapy can be beneficial for all ages, and has specific benefits for aging adults. Let’s take a look!

Memory Care

At Blue Harbor Senior Living, we love to design activities that help seniors to engage all five senses. This is especially important in Memory Care, as mindfulness and body awareness can help to ease the symptoms associated with progressive memory loss. By bringing us into the present moment and appealing to our senses, aromatherapy can create a sense of calm and happiness.

Aromatherapy has shown to be especially helpful for seniors affected by Alzheimer’s. In fact, studies have shown that aromatherapy is an efficacious non-pharmaceutical therapy for dementia. 

Relaxing Activity

Aromatherapy can be enjoyed in many ways, including through baths, essential oils, massage, or candles. Regardless of whether or not you have Alzheimer’s, aromatherapy is extremely therapeutic and soothing!

Aromatherapy has many benefits, including:

• Lessened stress or anxiety;
• Improved digestion;
• Better immunity;
• Relief from headaches and migraines;
• Relief from chemotherapy side effects;
• Combats bacteria, virus, or fungus;
• and more!

Amazing Scents

Aside from the wonderful calming, pain relieving, and immunity boosting effects of aromatherapy, aromatherapy is also very enjoyable! We love many of the scents, and below are a few of our favorites:

Lavender

Lavender has very calming effects and has been shown to reduce cortisol levels. In addition to improving sleep, lavender has also been shown to improve cognition and overall mood. 

Peppermint

Different than lavender, peppermint has actually been used as an energizing essential oil. It can help to soothe digestion and relieve anxiety or depression.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus can help to improve circulation and has calming effects. It can be very soothing for the lungs, helping to protect against colds, flus, or sinus infections.

Of course, these are just a few of our favorite aromatherapy remedies! Learn more about the benefits of aromatherapy for seniors on this blog, which details how aromatherapy can help anything from dementia to arthritis!

Discover for Yourself

We hope that you found these health and wellness tips to be helpful! Of course, before you add any type of alternative treatments to your daily routines, be sure to consult with a doctor.

If you’d like to learn more about our lovely activities programming, schedule a time to stop on by or talk with our True Blue team.