# Use of Complementary Health Approaches and Research Interests Among Older Adults in the COSMOS Trial. > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/complementary-health-approaches-older-adults-prevalence-study/ > **Published:** 2026-04-27T20:24:42-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T10:00:36-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Large study reveals 58.8% of older adults use complementary health approaches including cannabis. Clinical implications for geriatric practice and patient commu --- CED Clinical Relevance  #70Notable Clinical Interest Evidence Brief | CED ClinicNearly 60% of older adults in the COSMOS trial used complementary health approaches in the past year, with half expressing interest in participating in related research. [Complementary Medicine](https://cedclinic.com/aussie-native-honey-antimicrobial-boost/)Older AdultsSurvey Research[Integrative Medicine](https://cedclinic.com/music-therapy-anxiety-treatment-calm-your-mind/)Cannabis Nearly 60% of older adults in the COSMOS trial used complementary health approaches in the past year, with half expressing interest in participating in related research. What This Study Teaches Us This survey documents remarkably high utilization of complementary health approaches among older adults, with nearly three-quarters having used these modalities at some point in their lives. The data provides important baseline information about patterns of use across different complementary categories in a large, well-characterized cohort. Why This Matters These findings challenge assumptions about older adults’ openness to non-conventional therapies and highlight the need for clinicians to routinely inquire about complementary health approach use. The high level of research interest suggests this population may be receptive to evidence-based discussions about integrative treatment options. Study Snapshot Study Type Cross-sectional survey analysis Population 16,144 older adults from COSMOS trial, median age 77.5 years Intervention Survey assessment of six complementary health approach categories Comparator Users versus non-users of complementary health approaches Primary Outcome Prevalence and patterns of complementary health approach use Key Finding 58.8% used complementary approaches in past 12 months, 76.4% ever in lifetime Journal The American Journal of Medicine Year 2024 Clinical Bottom Line Complementary health approaches are widely used by older adults, making routine assessment of these practices essential for comprehensive clinical care. The substantial interest in research participation suggests opportunities for evidence generation in this population. What This Paper Does Not Show The study does not establish effectiveness, safety, or clinical outcomes associated with complementary health approach use. It cannot determine whether usage patterns differ meaningfully from younger populations or assess the quality or appropriateness of the approaches being used. Where This Paper Deserves Skepticism The COSMOS trial participants may not be representative of the general older adult population, potentially limiting generalizability. Self-reported use may be subject to recall bias, and the survey design cannot capture important details about dosing, duration, or [clinical context](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-hyperemesis-syndrome-treatment-insights-2026/) of use. Dr. Caplan's Take I’m not surprised by these high utilization rates – older adults often seek complementary approaches for conditions where conventional medicine offers limited solutions. What’s encouraging is the research interest, suggesting this population wants evidence-based information rather than simply avoiding medical oversight. What a Careful Reader Should Take Away Complementary health approaches are mainstream among older adults, not fringe practices to be dismissed. Clinicians should normalize discussions about these modalities while emphasizing the importance of evidence-based decision-making and potential interactions with conventional treatments. Join the Conversation Have a question about how this applies to your situation? [Ask Dr. Caplan →](https://benjamincaplan.com/ask-dr-caplan) Want to discuss this topic with other patients and caregivers? [Join the forum discussion →](https://cedclinic.com/interact/discussion-forums/forum/cannabis-industry/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [X Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Just%20read%20this%20on%20CEDclinic.com%3A%20Use%20of%20Complementary%20Health%20Approaches%20and%20Research%20Interests%20Among%20Older%20Adults%20in%20the%20COSMOS%20Trial...%20%40drcaplan&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcomplementary-health-approaches-older-adults-prevalence-study%2F)[in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcomplementary-health-approaches-older-adults-prevalence-study%2F)[🦅 Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Just%20read%20this%3A%20Use%20of%20Complementary%20Health%20Approaches%20and%20Research%20Interests%20Among%20Older%20Adults%20in%20the%20COSMOS%20Trial...%20via%20%40drcaplan.bsky.social%20https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcomplementary-health-approaches-older-adults-prevalence-study%2F)[📷 Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan)[📝 Read more on Substack](https://doctorapprovedcannabis.substack.com/)[🔔 Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/feed/) Table of Contents - [FAQ](#FAQ)[How common is complementary health approach use among older adults?](#How_common_is_complementary_health_approach_use_among_older_adults) - [What types of complementary therapies do older adults use most frequently?](#What_types_of_complementary_therapies_do_older_adults_use_most_frequently) - [Are older adults interested in participating in research on complementary therapies?](#Are_older_adults_interested_in_participating_in_research_on_complementary_therapies) - [Should healthcare providers ask older patients about their use of complementary therapies?](#Should_healthcare_providers_ask_older_patients_about_their_use_of_complementary_therapies) - [What factors influence older adults’ likelihood to use complementary health approaches?](#What_factors_influence_older_adults8217_likelihood_to_use_complementary_health_approaches) - [Related](#Related) ## FAQ #### How common is complementary health approach use among older adults? According to the COSMOS trial data, 58.8% of older adults (median age 77.5 years) used complementary health approaches within the past 12 months, and 76.4% reported lifetime use. This demonstrates that complementary therapies are widely adopted by older adults as part of their healthcare practices. #### What types of complementary therapies do older adults use most frequently? The study examined six categories of complementary health approaches: manual therapies, mind-body therapies, herbal products, acupuncture, spiritual practices, and cannabis/psychedelics. While the complete ranking isn’t provided in the summary, spiritual practices appeared to have high recent usage rates among the studied population. #### Are older adults interested in participating in research on complementary therapies? Yes, 50.4% of the 16,144 older adult participants expressed interest in participating in complementary health approach research. This significant level of interest suggests that older adults are engaged and willing to contribute to evidence-based understanding of these therapies. #### Should healthcare providers ask older patients about their use of complementary therapies? Given that nearly 6 out of 10 older adults use complementary health approaches, healthcare providers should routinely inquire about these practices during patient encounters. Understanding patients’ use of complementary therapies is essential for comprehensive [care coordination](https://cedclinic.com/cross-border-cannabis-access-wisconsin-challenges/) and identifying potential interactions with conventional treatments. #### What factors influence older adults’ likelihood to use complementary health approaches? The study identified various sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical characteristics that differ between users and non-users of complementary health approaches. However, the specific factors and their relative influence would require review of the complete study results to provide detailed [clinical guidance](https://cedclinic.com/high-potency-thc-dosing-cannabis-flower-25-thc-safety/). [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. Health, Longevity, Wellness One-on-One Cannabis Guidance Metabolic Balance [Leave a Message](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) [Metabolic Care](https://cedclinic.com/metabolic/metabolic-how-it-works/) [Medical Consulting](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [Cannabis Care](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).