While the potential risks of overdoing it with caffeine are well known, there are some surprising health benefits associated with the most widely used substance in the world. It’s the protective benefits of caffeine that can be especially beneficial for seniors.
Reduced Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes
The risk of developing diabetes increases with age. One study noted a nine percent decrease in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes among those who drank at least one cup of coffee a day, suggesting preventative effects that may extend to seniors.
A professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support and information when it comes to helping your loved one prevent certain age-related conditions. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust elderly home care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives.
Increased Logical Reasoning Skills
A study of soldiers lacking sufficient sleep found that 200 mg doses of caffeine enhanced marksmanship, suggesting increased logical reasoning skills. Caffeine may have a similar impact on seniors who need to remain alert during the day to maintain a normal sleep cycle.
Reduced Risk of Cognitive Decline
Various studies suggest caffeine may provide a memory boost and reduce the risk of cognitive decline, with one study noting the afternoon as the best time for seniors to drink coffee, since this is a period of reduced alertness. A study involving mice with Alzheimer’s noted indicators that memory was preserved or protected in subjects given 500 mg of caffeine.
Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Oshkosh, WI, Senior Stride Home Care are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.
Lower Risk of Developing Parkinson’s
A Swedish study on the effects of caffeine in people with Parkinson’s disease found that it interacts with a dopamine receptor responsible for controlling the flow of calcium, which plays an important role in cell functioning. Healthier cells, especially those in parts of the brain regulating memory and coordination, may reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s. Up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day is the safe amount typically recommended for adults, which equals about 4 full cups of coffee. Healthy caffeinated alternatives to coffee for seniors include hot or iced tea, hot chocolate, diet soft drinks, and some types of pure dark chocolate.
A trained professional caregiver can be an ideal resource when you’re trying to help your parent lead a healthier lifestyle. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of elder care. Oshkosh families can rely on Senior Stride Home Care to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. For more information about our flexible, customizable home care plans, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at 920-717-1767.