Aromatherapy and essential oils are a great, all-natural way to promote well-being and they come with a variety of health benefits. For centuries, dating all the way back to the ancient Egyptians, scent has been used to improve sleep and digestion, as well as reduce stress, pain, anxiety, and even depression. 

For seniors, utilizing essential oils can be a great choice because not only are they all-natural, they are also simple and easy to use. If you or your loved one resides in a senior living community, aromatherapy can be a very affordable, convenient way to have access to holistic health benefits. 

Essential oils are very easy to find! Popular brands can be bought in stores such as Target or Walmart or even ordered online and shipped directly to your senior living community.  

 

How It Works

Scent has a powerful effect on the body, and of course, one of the reasons people love essential oils is because they smell good. When the olfactory nerve located in the nose is triggered, it signals parts of the brain that control emotion, mood, and even memory. 

Not only does it help with these functions of our brains, it can also aid in getting a physical reaction, such as inciting overall feelings of calmness or energy, depending on which essential oil is used.

 

Aromatherapy essential oil diffuser sitting on table in front of couch next to a plant

 

Different Ways to Enjoy

When it comes to using essential oils, there are a variety of ways that you can enjoy and get the benefits. A popular way is by adding them to an oil burner of a room diffuser. Not only will you reap the health benefits, but your environment will smell better, and that is sure to boost anyone’s mood! These can be very simple to plug into your room, but always ask for a staff member to help if you need assistance. 

Another great way to enjoy essential oils is to add them to your next bath. Baths are an excellent way to relax and soak any sore joints or muscles, but give your dip in the tub an extra splash of luxury by putting a few drops in your water. If someone else draws your bath for you, just be sure to ask them to add the oils for you, too. 

For a very long time, essential oils have been used in massage to help add another layer of relaxation and health benefits. If you don’t have time for or can’t partake in a full body massage, no problem! Many lotions and hand creams, as well as body washes and shampoos, feature essential oils mixed right into the formula. Just add them to your next shopping list! 

There are certainly some fashionable ways to enjoy essential oils, many opting to wear diffuser jewelry. Necklaces, bracelets, or even keychains that can be clipped on bags are all handy ways to carry your essential oils wherever you go.

 

Types of Essential Oils and Their Benefits 

With all the different types of essential oils, it can be difficult to know where to get started or which one is right for you. Because of that, we have compiled an easy list that includes not only great oil options, but also exactly how they can go to benefit seniors.

  • Lavender: This is probably one of the more common scents, as we see it in every day body care products or homegoods all the time. Lavender oil can be inhaled, massaged into the skin, or sprayed on linens. It’s benefits include helping to calm emotions, easing depression, anger, and irritability, as well as insomnia. 
  • Ginger: If you are someone who suffers from any gastrointestinal issues, you may want to turn to ginger. It can help with loss of appetite and aid in digestion, as well as promoting good eating habits.  
  • Peppermint: We are familiar with peppermint as a favorite holiday-time treat, but year round, the essential oil can be very beneficial. Inale, apply to the skin, or place it in the bath for a boost of energy, to calm nerves, and to stimulate the mind. 
  • Ylang Ylang: To promote good sleep and ease depression, use a little Ylang Ylang. Apply it to your skin, spray some on your bedding, or add some to your bath to really enjoy the benefits. Some other benefits include Ylang Ylang’s ability to fight bacteria and lower blood pressure.  
  • Rosemary: If you or your loved one has any issues with Alzheimers or dementia, rosemary is an excellent solution, as it does help improve cognitive performance as well as boost mood.  
  • Lemon Balm: Another great memory booster is lemon balm. It can also help to ease anxiety and insomnia as well. If you or your senior struggle in these areas, be sure to include a few drops in the next bath or give their pillow or bedding a small spray. 

 

Before You Use

While aromatherapy and essential oils offer up a lot of health benefits, there are some very important factors, including safety precautions, that you should take into consideration prior to using. To ensure you are using everything safely, keep the following points in mind:

  • Some essential oils may negatively interact with your medications, so it is best to check with your doctor prior to using. 
  • Aromatherapy should be used moderately, especially since essential oils run the risk of being toxic if used in large quantities. 
  • Some people have very sensitive skin, so if you’re unsure how you will react to a new oil, try testing it out with a carrier oil before being fully applied. 
  • If you are a caregiver, be sure to be very careful when giving your senior a massage, as their skin can be thin and therefore prone to tearing.  
  • Due to sensitivity issues, seniors should only be using half of the recommended dose of essential oil that a normal adult would have. 
  • Always store essential oils somewhere safe, especially in a place where it cannot be confused for medication or any sort of cooking supplies.