The Pros and Cons of Caffeine and Senior Health
Many seniors start their day off with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Whether it’s out of habit or necessity, drinking a caffeinated beverage in the morning can jump start energy levels, boost one’s mood, and improve health. However, too much caffeine can harm an older adult’s health.
March is the perfect time for older adults to take stock of their caffeinated habits as it is National Caffeine Awareness Month. Here are the pros and cons of caffeine and how it may affect senior health.
The Pros of Caffeine
Research shows that there are numerous health benefits associated with consuming caffeine. Coffee and tea both contain antioxidants, which help control the damaging effects of free radicals in the body. Consuming a cup of coffee at least once a week can lower the risk of stroke or heart disease. One study concluded that caffeine, particularly coffee, can be a part of a healthy diet.
Beyond physical health benefits, caffeine appears to be of value to an older adult’s mental health. Studies show that caffeine is associated with improved cognition and reaction times and does not appear to affect long-term memory. Caffeine may even help to prevent dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. It can lower the risk of depression in older adult women and bring on feelings of well-being.
The Cons of Caffeine
On the flip side, seniors who consume too much caffeine put themselves at risk for several adverse health effects. Caffeine is a stimulant. This means that every time you consume caffeine, you increase activity in your central nervous system. Consuming high amounts of caffeine results in jittery feelings and can exasperate seniors with anxiety.
Not only does too much caffeine put additional stress on the central nervous system, it also elevates heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure. Seniors who suffer from gastrointestinal diseases may find that caffeine worsens symptoms and could be the source of ulcers. Large amounts of caffeine can cause headaches, as well as interfere with sleep.
How Much Can I Consume?
According to the Mayo Clinic, most healthy adults can consume up to 400 milligrams of caffeine a day, or about four cups of coffee. However, seniors with chronic health problems should consult their doctor about how much caffeine is safe to consume, especially those with heart disease.
Older adults should be aware that caffeine can be found in other sources beyond coffee or tea. Sodas, energy drinks, chocolate, protein bars, and coffee flavored treats all contain some caffeine. Even decaffeinated coffee and tea contain small amounts of caffeine. These foods and drinks should be taken into consideration when an older adult evaluates how much caffeine they truly consume.
If you are an older adult in need of non-medical help to navigate your day, let Visiting Angels Oshkosh become a part of your routine. We offer a comprehensive approach to senior home care that is designed to meet your individual needs. Our professional caregivers can assist with a variety of personal care and housekeeping tasks, as well as provide companionship and conversation over a cup of coffee or tea. Many of our clients are pleasantly surprised with how easy it is to start care with us. To learn more, please contact us today by calling 920-312-7000.