Aging is a gradual decline in the function of an organism. It involves the accumulation of cellular damage and alterations in gene expression, which are physiological changes associated with diseases. Aging is usually accompanied by a variety of geriatric diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, muscular degeneration, osteoarthritis, etc, whose incidence increases with age. If death is compared to falling off a cliff, these old diseases seem the force that pushes us off the cliff. Although modern medicine has tried to stop this fall, it has had limited success.
Now, people are beginning to realize that the subtle aging process is the real reason that leads us to the cliff's edge. Therefore, the most effective strategy is to stay away from the cliff, that is, to fundamentally slow down or stop the aging process, which points to a new direction for the prevention and treatment of chronic aging diseases.
As the population ages, maintaining wellness becomes increasingly crucial. Aging is a ubiquitous biological process that humans cannot avoid, but we can delay it through some methods, especially for older people. Today, we will introduce aging-resistant, supportive Red light therapy for older adults, hoping that seniors will benefit from this type of therapy.
Red Light Therapy Benefits for Seniors
Red Light Therapy (RLT) emerges as a supportive measure for older adults aiming to counteract the signs of aging and sustain their vitality. Red light therapy devices use visible red and near-infrared wavelengths to stimulate cellular repair and regeneration. The most effective RLT devices emit light in 630 – 850 nm range. Devices emitting light outside of this range may not provide the same benefits.
- Skin Health
Skin is one of the largest and most affected organs due to aging. Lack of collagen and chronic inflammation are the common culprits behind poor skin health. Red light therapy is a widely researched and applied skin treatment. Studies have shown that red light can stimulate mitochondria in skin cells and increase energy production, accelerating cell metabolism and regeneration. RLT increases the synthesis of collagen and elastin fibers, resulting in firmer, smoother skin and a reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Red light therapy is safer and more compatible for people of all skin types and ages than certain medications or invasive procedures.
- Cognitive Health
The decline in cognitive health as a result of aging is typical. Studies demonstrated that shining red light therapy on Parkinson's disease patients' brains had a neuroprotective effect as it boosted circulation and blood flow to the brain and reduced neuroinflammation. It also accelerates the growth of nerve cells and has an adjuvant therapeutic and good antioxidant effect on nervous system diseases.
- Bone and Joint Care
Red light therapy, as part of rehabilitation therapy, promotes collagen synthesis and the regeneration of damaged muscular tissues, helping to speed up the body's natural healing process. It has analgesic properties that reduce pain associated with age-related musculoskeletal injuries and chronic joint conditions: low back pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative arthritis, chronic tendonitis, chronic neck pain, etc. It restores and increases flexibility and range of motion, enhancing the elderly's overall mobility. By aggressively targeting inflammation, red light therapy can minimize swelling and inflammation during recovery, promote faster progression, and improve comfort for seniors.
- Wound Care
Diabetes-induced wounds are prevalent in the aging population. Since the stimulation of red light can increase the number of fibroblasts and the formation of collagen, it directly enhances the regeneration of cells and the growth of granulation tissues. For example, it has a good effect on intractable ulcers caused by diabetes, bedsores in the elderly due to long-term bed rest, and poor healing of surgical wounds.
LED Light Therapy Availability At Home For Seniors
The convenient availability of LED red light therapy and whole body RLT at home allows seniors to access non-invasive and safe treatment options to increase collagen production for better skin elasticity and the overall development of resistant health. RLT is generally safe; incorrect usage and overexposure could lead to side effects such as skin damage or eye strain. It is crucial to pay attention to the potential side effects of red light therapy. When buying red light therapy devices, always ensure they are FDA-approved. It should also come from a reputable seller, work within the appropriate wavelength, and project a single color of light for maximum effect.
Bottom Line
Pay attention to the aging signs, as aging is the root cause of many diseases. The anti-aging benefits of red light therapy for the elderly population include improved skin health, reduced musculoskeletal disorders, and enhanced healing of wounds. Although RLT is a potential option to optimize aging health and maintain vitality, it should be used cautiously to ensure positive outcomes and minimize adverse effects.
References & Citations
[1] Glass G. E. (2021). Photobiomodulation - The Clinical Applications of Low-Level Light Therapy.The Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 41(6), 723–-738.https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjab025
[2] Cheng, K., Martin, L. F., Slepiaan, M. J., Patwardhan, A. M., & Ibrahim, M. M. (2021). Mechanisms and Pathways of Pain Photobiomodulation: A Narrative Review. The journal of pain, 22(7), 763–777.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2021.02.005
[3] Goldberg, D. J., & Russell, B. A. (2006). Combination blue (415 nm) & red (633 nm) LED phototherapy-in the treatment of mild to severe acne vulgaris. Journal of cosmatic laser therapy official publication of the European Society for Laser Dermatology, 8(2), 71–75.https://doi.org/10.1080/14764170600735912
[4] Kim, W. S., & Calderrhead, R. G. (2011). Is light-emitting diode phototherapy (LED-LLLT) really effective?. Laser therapy, 20(3), 205–215.https://doi.org/10.5978/islsm.20.205
[5] Royer, M., Ballentine, N. H., Eslinnger, P. J., Housser, K., Mistrick, R., Behr, R., & Rakos, K. (2012). Light therapy for seniors in long-term care. The Jour of the American Medical Directors Association, 13(2), 100–102.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2011.05.006
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