Older adults drink more coffee than the other age groups. Coffee, tea, energy drinks, soda, chocolate, certain medications and many common beverages contain caffeine. Caffeine is considered a drug because it is a stimulant that affects the nervous system. Many people debate if caffeine is actually healthy for older people. It is not a simple answer to this question. Caffeine brings about some health benefits as well as risks. Similar to most things, moderation is key. Read on to learn more about how much caffeine is allowed for older adults!
What are the Benefits of Caffeine?
Caffeine is an antioxidant and it can help to prevent age-related oxidative damage. This can improve your health in a few ways, especially as you age. Caffeine may even lower a person’s risk of dementia. Another study found that people who drink coffee regularly had a lower risk of death. Some other benefits of drinking coffee include the following:
- Better mental health: There has been significant research on caffeine and mental health. Studies report that higher caffeine consumers have lower levels of depression.
- Improved Cognition: Evidence shows that caffeine may help prevent cognitive decline in older adults.
- Lower risk of stroke. A study found that one cup of coffee per week can help to lower the risk of stroke and heart failure.
- Increased energy: Coffee gives you a mood boost that can help you feel more alert and motivated.
Recommended Amount of Caffeine
It is recommended that you limit caffeine to 400 milligrams per day. This is around four cups of coffee. Taking in more than the recommended amount of caffeine can cause adverse side effects. Older adults are more likely to have side effects from caffeine if they have a medical history of urinary incontinence, frequent urination, migraines, insomnia, muscle tremors, anxiety, stomach problems, or restlessness. Some other adverse side effects also include fast heart rate, heartburn, headaches, sleep disorders, reduced bone strength, anxiety, or feelings of unhappiness.
Caffeine is a stimulant, so it increases the activity of your central nervous system. This can cause some people to feel more anxious or jittery, especially if they are prone to anxiety. Some other risks of drinking too much caffeine include:
- Rapid heart rate, which can pose a problem in people who experience heart arrhythmias.
- Diarrhea and gastrointestinal problems. Coffee is made up of a high acid content which may worsen acid reflux.
- Increased blood pressure. This is a temporary effect but it can be dangerous for people with high blood pressure or cardiovascular problems.
- This can put stress on the kidneys and worsen bladder infections.
The current research shows that there are health benefits of caffeine for older people. Always remember that caffeine is best in moderation.
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