It may seem like drinking caffeine as a senior citizen would be a discouraged practice, but recent studies have shown a much different picture. Seniors who drink coffee the right way have a chance to really enhance their life experience.
If you’re getting a little older, you may be wondering about this brewed drink you love so much. Take heart, and read through a few ways in which coffee can be good for seniors.
Lowers the risk of developing type 2 Diabetes
If you don’t load your coffee down with lots of creamer and sugar, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in the United States.
Studies show that drinking one to two cups of coffee every day can reduce your risk of developing diabetes by up to fifty percent. Just remember that a little coffee with your creamer will defeat the purpose.
Coffee can enhance neurological function
Drinking coffee can also help promote positive neurological function in elderly individuals. As you age, your mind isn’t quite as sharp as it once was. Drinking a moderate amount of coffee every day can help.
Caffeine in the brain does some wondrous things. The natural chemical in the brain encourages the production of dopamine and norepinephrine. In turn, there is a significant bump in the individual’s mood, memory, energy, vigilance, and overall cognitive function.
Helps lower the risk of degenerative diseases
Many elderly individuals suffer from degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be very challenging. Lower the risk of developing such illnesses by up to sixty percent by drinking one to two cups of coffee every day.
Coffee offers increased liver protection
Once again, the key to reaping the health benefits of coffee is to drink it with as little creamer or sugar as possible. Loading your drink with additives can cause the drink to have an adverse effect on your health.
Drinking black coffee in moderate amounts can actually reduce the risk of developing cirrhosis of the liver by up to 80 percent. It’s best for caregivers to be watchful of how and when coffee is consumed to minimize the risk of trouble.
Coffee can give you an energy boost
When you’re living the senior life, you may not have quite as much energy as you wish you had. However, coffee can help. Drinking even a small amount of coffee will give most people a boost in energy for several hours following consumption. Be sure not to overdo it, though, as too much caffeine can cause heart palpitations and other complications.
Originally posted on September 26, 2021 @ 3:19 am