A social poll by the healthy living and aging platform, Goldster, revealed that over 65s are more open to trying microdosing than those under the age of 65.
The Goldster poll revealed that one in four of those over the age of 65 would try microdosing psychedelics compared to one in 10 under 65s.
Additionally, the poll found that 31% of participants had taken psychedelics, 20% of which were over 65s and 33% who were under 65s.
Further findings show that 23% of respondents said they are already aware of the therapeutic benefits of microdosing, while over one in four respondents said they would try it to improve psychological wellbeing and 19% said they might consider it.
Microdosing psychedelics has been making headlines around the globe, and anecdotes suggest the practice may help with the likes of anxiety and depression as well as creativity and flow.
Whilst current research on the practice is limited, there are a number of completed and ongoing studies that are looking to understand more about the mental health applications of microdosing.
For example, one such study, carried out by Joseph M. Rootman, Maggie Kiraga, Pamela Kryskow, Kalin Harvey, Paul Stamets, Eesmyal Santos-Brault, Kim P. C. Kuypers and Zach Walsh, is the largest longitudinal study investigating the practice of microdosing psilocybin for mental health, and one of the few to use a control group.
The study found that microdosing psilocybin showed observed improvements in mood and mental health at one month, relative to non-microdosing controls.
Results from a citizen science study published in November 2021 also suggested that microdosing psychedelics could be a valuable tool in the battle against poor mental health.
Findings from the study, led by the University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus researchers, found that participants who microdosed a psychedelic such as psilocybin or LSD experienced fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression compared to those who did not, as well as greater feelings of wellbeing.
However, a study carried out by researchers at the University of Chicago, demonstrated no benefits to the practice. Study researcher, Harriet de Wit, PhD, professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at the university, stated that the findings did not disprove the possible benefits of the practice, calling for more research on the topic.
Further, The Beckley Foundation is carrying out the ‘Microdosing and Meditation Study’, which aims to observe how meditation skills evolve over three months of regular meditation practice and how microdosing may impact these skills, whilst another Ottawa Hospital Research Institute study will be examining psilocybin microdosing for psychological and existential distress in palliative care.
