Coffee Means Healthy Sipping for Seniors

Coffee is a way that many Americans start their day, and a favorite drink for senior citizens, including many residents of Sherwood Oaks Retirement Community. Some have hailed coffee as a superfood, pointing out its many health and anti-aging benefits. It is a great source of antioxidants and helps keep those who drink it alert. But are there also risks involved with coffee consumption, and is it a healthy beverage for seniors?

The answer is yes.

The Good

Coffee has been shown to reduce the risk of many ailments that are common in seniors, according to Mayo Clinic specialists.  These include:

  • Certain cancers
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Type 2 diabetes

MedCentral Health System states those who drink alcohol but also more than three cups of coffee a day have half the chance of developing cirrhosis than those who just drink coffee.

Coffee can also help with asthma symptoms, headaches, and even cavities because of its antibacterial properties. But how pure coffee is makes a difference. According to a study reported by the U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, the antibacterial properties were only beneficial when sugar and other additives were not included in participants’ cups of joe.

So what is the perfect number of cups to drink in a day? The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease reported that consuming three cups a day was the perfect number to help reduce the chance of developing the disease.

The Bad

Of course, there are a few small risks involved with coffee consumption. Possible negative side effects include:

  • Increase in cholesterol
  • High blood pressure
  • Loss of calcium

As with many things, coffee is good for you in moderation. More than six cups of coffee a day can lead a coffee-addict to become overly anxious and jittery. However, these are symptoms that can come with even moderate consumption. Other common negative side effects are nausea, insomnia, and an increase in heart rate.

If you’re at retirement age and you’ve got a “few cups a day” habit when it comes to coffee drinking, keep up the habit! Seniors can reap many benefits from a jolt of java.

Beat Winter Woes with These Healthy Tips

Winter might be the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also be a quite dangerous time for retirees. As we age, our bodies have a more difficult time defending from sickness and recovering from injury. But you can take preventative measures to be sure that you can spend this winter snuggling up to loved ones, not sniffling in bed.

Cold & Flu – According to Contac Cold and Flu, Cold and flu season spans October to May, with the peak of cases popping up in February. To avoid the aches and pains that come with cold and flu, you should be sure to wash your hands after coming into contact with others and before meals. Keep hand sanitizer handy when there is no soap and water nearby. Getting enough sleep, drinking the recommended amount of water, and reducing stress also help to keep your immune system strong. It is also recommended that you get the flu shot to avoid illness.

Frostbite and Hypothermia – The older we get, the more difficult it is for our bodies to retain body heat, which means that senior citizens run a higher risk of suffering from frostbite and hypothermia. To reduce your risk, be sure to cover as much skin as possible when you leave the house and to be on the lookout for signs of danger. According to the American Geriatrics Society Foundation for Health in Aging, these symptoms include shivering, pale or ashy skin, a feeling of sleepiness, confusion, slowed heart rate, or trouble walking.

Heartburn – Ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes… the food around the holidays is exceptionally good, but not always so good for you. Bigger meals can lead to heartburn that is less than merry, so you should try to take a preventative heartburn medication and eat slowly and in moderation to avoid paying for your meal later.

Dry Skin – Dry, itchy skin can make winter uncomfortable. To go from scratchy to smooth, be sure to moisturize regularly with an over-the-counter moisturizer, especially after a bath or shower as this removes moisture from the body. Running a humidifier can also help keep skin soft.

Arthritis – Many sufferers report that their arthritis is more painful in the winter. Ease arthritis pain by staying warm, which includes taking warm baths and enjoying some time in the hot tub. It’s also important to stay active in order to keep muscles strong.

Slips and Falls – Suggesting winter boots with traction might sound more like fashion advice than health advice, but slippery sidewalks and parking lots can be a serious issue for senior citizens, who already run a risk of being injured in a fall due to brittle bones. Choose footwear that is as functional as it is stylish. Snow might be falling, but you shouldn’t be, too.

General Unhealthy Feeling – If you’re just feeling a little bit crummy this winter, it might be because you need to make time for fitness in your schedule. We’ve written before about the top-quality exercise programs and amenities that come with being a Sherwood Oaks resident. Be sure to use them! Combined with a full menu of healthy foods, we are your partner in staying active and healthy this winter.

Some great news for the winter season (and every season)? Residents of retirement communities are shown to have a longer lifespan with greater quality of life because of the balanced lifestyle that they are able to take advantage of. With so many opportunities for socialization, exercise, and nutritional food, it’s easy to see why retirement communities like Sherwood Oaks are a healthy decision.