Do Psychedelics Work Differently in Older Adults? Age and Psychedelic Therapy

Do classic psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD have different effects on older adults compared to younger people, and what does this mean for the future of psychedelic therapy for seniors? 

Synopsis 

The world of psychedelic medicine is buzzing with excitement, but much of the research has focused on younger and middle-aged adults. This has left a major question unanswered: how do these powerful substances affect older adults? A 2025 preprint by Aday, Carhart-Harris, and Boehnke highlights a consistent but often overlooked trend in the scientific literature: blunted psychedelic drug effects across the lifespan. This suggests that older adults may have a milder experience with psychedelics compared to their younger counterparts. This article will explore the reasons behind this phenomenon, including age-related changes in the brain and body, and discuss what it means for the safety and effectiveness of psychedelic therapy for seniors. We will also look at recent studies that are beginning to shed light on this important topic, offering a glimpse into the future of psychedelic medicine for the older generation.

The Overlooked Generation in the Psychedelic Renaissance

The so-called “psychedelic renaissance” has been marked by a surge of research into the therapeutic potential of substances like psilocybin, LSD, and ayahuasca. These powerful compounds are showing promise for treating a range of mental health conditions, from depression and PTSD to anxiety and addiction. However, a closer look at the research reveals a significant gap: the vast majority of studies have been conducted on younger and middle-aged adults. This has left a large and growing segment of the population—older adults—largely out of the conversation. As the global population ages, the need for effective mental health treatments for seniors is becoming increasingly urgent. Can psychedelic therapy be a safe and effective option for this overlooked generation? And how might their experiences differ from those of younger people?

This is not just a question of inclusivity; it’s a matter of science. The aging process brings about a host of changes in the brain and body, from alterations in neurochemistry to differences in metabolism and physiology. These changes could have a significant impact on how older adults respond to psychedelic drugs. For example, we know that the density of serotonin 2A receptors, the primary target of classic psychedelics, changes with age. This could mean that older adults require different dosages or have a different subjective experience than younger people. There are also safety considerations to take into account. Older adults are more likely to have pre-existing health conditions and to be taking other medications, which could increase the risk of adverse drug interactions. Understanding these age-related differences is crucial for ensuring the safe and effective use of psychedelic therapy in the older population.

The Blunted Experience: A Consistent Finding

A 2025 preprint by Aday, Carhart-Harris, and Boehnke has brought a crucial issue to the forefront: the consistent finding of blunted psychedelic drug effects in older adults [1]. The authors point out that while there is a growing interest in studying psychedelics in the older population, there is an overlooked but consistent trend in the literature showing that the subjective effects of these drugs tend to be less intense in older individuals. This doesn't mean that psychedelics have no effect on seniors, but rather that the experience may be qualitatively different. This could be due to a variety of factors, including age-related changes in brain structure and function, as well as differences in metabolism and body composition.

One of the key factors that may contribute to this blunted effect is the age-related decline in serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors, the main target of classic psychedelics. As we age, the number of these receptors in the brain tends to decrease. Since psychedelics produce their effects by binding to these receptors, a lower density of them could lead to a less intense experience. A 2020 paper by Aday, Bloesch, and Davoli explored this very question, suggesting that age-related changes in the brain could indeed attenuate the effects of psychedelic drugs [2]. They also noted that older adults may have different psychological and emotional responses to the psychedelic experience, which could be influenced by their life experiences and perspectives.

Safety and Efficacy in Older Adults: What We Know So Far

While the subjective effects of psychedelics may be blunted in older adults, this doesn't necessarily mean that the therapy is less effective. A 2024 prospective cohort study by Kettner and colleagues found that guided psychedelic group sessions enhanced well-being in older adults, even if their acute experiences were different from those of younger participants [3]. This suggests that the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics may not be solely dependent on the intensity of the subjective experience. The neurobiological effects of these drugs, such as their ability to promote neuroplasticity and create new neural connections, may be just as important for healing.

Of course, safety is a primary concern when it comes to any new treatment for older adults. A 2023 review by Johnston and colleagues examined the knowns and unknowns of psychedelic-assisted therapies for seniors [4]. They highlighted the need for more research on the safety and efficacy of these treatments in this population, particularly with regard to potential drug interactions and the management of pre-existing health conditions. However, they also noted that psychedelic therapies could have significant benefits for older adults, not just for treating psychiatric disorders, but also for addressing existential distress and improving quality of life.

The Future of Psychedelic Therapy for Seniors

The research on psychedelics in older adults is still in its early stages, but the findings so far are promising. While the experience may be different for seniors, the therapeutic potential appears to be just as significant. As more research is conducted, we will gain a better understanding of how to tailor psychedelic therapy to the unique needs of the older population. This could involve adjusting dosages, providing different types of therapeutic support, and carefully screening for potential health risks. The goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their age, has access to the most effective and appropriate mental health treatments available.

If you are an older adult who is interested in exploring psychedelic therapy, it's important to have a thorough discussion with your doctor. They can help you understand the potential risks and benefits and determine if this is a safe and appropriate option for you. It's also crucial to seek out a qualified and experienced therapist who has experience working with older adults and can provide the support you need to navigate the psychedelic experience safely and effectively.

A New Chapter in Healthy Aging

The psychedelic renaissance is not just for the young. As we learn more about the unique ways that psychedelics affect older adults, we are opening up new possibilities for promoting mental health and well-being in the later stages of life. While there are still many unanswered questions, the research so far suggests that psychedelic therapy can be a safe and effective option for seniors, offering a new tool for addressing the emotional and existential challenges that can come with aging.

References

[1] Aday, J. S., Carhart-Harris, R. L., & Boehnke, K. F. (2025). Blunted psychedelic drug effects in older adults. PsyArXiv. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/yz4cd_v2

[2] Aday, J. S., Bloesch, E. K., & Davoli, C. C. (2020). Can psychedelic drugs attenuate age-related changes in cognition and affect? Journal of Cognitive Enhancement, 4(2), 219–227. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41465-019-00151-6

[3] Kettner, H., Roseman, L., Gazzaley, A., et al. (2024). Effects of psychedelics in older adults: a prospective cohort study. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 32(7), 735-746. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jagp.2024.03.007

[4] Johnston, C. B., Mangini, M., Grob, C. S., & Reite, M. (2023). The safety and efficacy of psychedelic-assisted therapies for older adults: knowns and unknowns. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 31(1), 48-57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jagp.2022.07.004

[5] Swieczkowski, D., Kwaśny, A., et al. (2025). Unequal representation? A cross-sectional analysis of age, sex, race, and ethnicity in clinical trials of classic psychedelics. Journal of Psychopharmacology. #https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/02698811251353250

Disclaimer: Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy has not been approved by any regulatory agencies in the United States, and the safety and efficacy are still not formally established at the time of this writing.