https://nccih.nih.gov/health/providers/digest/age?nav=cd

Complementary and Integrative Health for Older Adults

April 2015

Many older adults are turning to complementary and integrative health approaches, often as a reflection of a healthy self-empowered approach to well-being. Natural products often sold as dietary supplements are frequently used by many older people for various reasons despite safety concerns or a lack of evidence to support their use. Although there is a widespread public perception that the botanical and traditional agents included in dietary supplements can be viewed as safe, these products can contain pharmacologically active compounds and have the associated dangers.

Clinical Guidelines

• Osteoarthritis of the Hip and Knee  (Osteoarthritis Cartilage)  [5.2MB PDF]
• Osteoarthritis of the Knee  (The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons)  [1.39MB PDF]
• Botanicals for Menopausal Symptoms  (Obstetrics and Gynecology)
• Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D  (Institute of Medicine of the National Academies)

Scientific Literature

• Systematic Reviews/Reviews/Meta-analyses (PubMed®)
• Randomized Controlled Trials (PubMed®)

Research Spotlights

• Chiropractic Associated With Protective Effect in Spinal Health of Medicare Beneficiaries

  (09/16/14)
• Specific Dietary Patterns May Help Prevent Cognitive Decline in Older People

  (01/24/12)
• Soy Protein Supplements Do Not Reduce Plaque in Arteries of Postmenopausal Women

  (11/08/11)
• Study Explores Relationship Between Fatty Acids and Cognitive Decline in Women

  (05/01/11)
• Ginkgo Ineffective Against High Blood Pressure in Large Study of Older Adults

  (03/01/11)
• Certain Categories of Complementary Therapies Appear To Benefit Older Adults

  (07/01/10)
• Cinnamon Bark and Ginseng in Herbal Formulas Increase Life Span of Roundworms

  (02/22/10)
• Ginkgo Does Not Shield Seniors' Hearts, But It May Protect Their Leg Arteries

  (01/21/10)
• Tai Chi May Benefit Older Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis

  (11/15/09)
• Many Older People Use Both Prescription Drugs and Dietary Supplements

  (07/01/09)
• Grape Seed Extract May Help Neurodegenerative Diseases

  (03/12/09)
• Tai Chi Chih Improves Sleep Quality in Older Adults

  (07/01/08)
• Grape Seed Extract May Help Prevent and Treat Alzheimer's

  (06/18/08)
• Pilot Study Provides New Insight on Effect of Ginkgo Extract on Dementia in the Elderly

  (05/06/08)
• Botanicals May Help Conditions Associated with Aging

  (04/01/08)
• Tai Chi May Help Maintain Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women

  (05/01/07)
• Tai Chi Boosts Immunity to Shingles Virus in Older Adults

  (04/06/07)

Information for Your Patients

• 4 Tips: Mind and Body Practices for Common Aging-Related Conditions
• 5 Tips: Natural Products Used for Common Aging-Related Conditions
• Menopausal Symptoms and Complementary Health Approaches
• Alzheimer’s Disease at a Glance
• B Vitamins and Berries and Age-Related Neurodegenerative Disorders  (AHRQ)
• Can We Prevent Aging?  (NIA)
• Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D Report  (IOM/National Academies)
• Complementary Health Approaches on NIHSeniorHealth  (NIA)
• Tips for Older Dietary Supplement Users  (FDA)
• NIHSeniorHealth
• Menopause: Time for a Change  (NIA)
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine: What People Aged 50 and Older Discuss With Their Health Care Providers
• Dietary Supplements and Mortality Rate in Older Women  (NCI)
• Beware of Health Scams  (NIA)