Over Seventy Five Percent of Older Adults Utilize Complementary Therapies for Wellness, COSMOS Trial Data Reveals

New research shows 76% of older adults use complementary health approaches. Experts urge better communication between patients and doctors about these risks.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 25, 2026, 9:32 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from EurekAlert!

The Normalization of Alternative Wellness Modalities

Complementary health approaches have transitioned from the fringes of medicine into a routine component of daily life for the aging population in the United States. New findings from the COSMOS trial indicate that 76.4 percent of older adults have used at least one form of complementary therapy, such as yoga, massage, or herbal products, at some point in their lives. This high prevalence suggests that these modalities are far more mainstream than previously recognized by the clinical community, reflecting a broader cultural shift toward integrative wellness strategies among seniors.

Current Usage Trends and Demographic Indicators

The frequency of these practices remains high even in the short term, with 58.8 percent of surveyed participants reporting the use of at least one complementary therapy within the past year. Spiritual practices emerged as the most frequent choice, followed closely by manual therapies like chiropractic care and the use of various herbal products. According to lead author Dennis Muñoz-Vergara, the data reveals that women, individuals with higher education levels, and those with a history of depression or physical activity are significantly more likely to incorporate these methods into their health routines.

Strategic Motivations for Integrative Health Choices

While the study did not specifically measure the efficacy of these treatments, it highlighted a distinct trend of patients seeking to supplement their conventional medical care with independent wellness choices. Many older adults appear to be proactively managing their health through mind body therapies like tai chi or the use of cannabis and psychedelics, often without formal medical guidance. This strategic pursuit of wellness suggests that patients are increasingly looking for holistic solutions to address complex health histories, including those involving chronic issues like a history of falls.