Seniors need to keep themselves hydrated with healthy beverages. Though water may be the obvious choice, your elderly loved one likely wants to drink something with a little more flavor on occasion. Iced tea may be the perfect solution because it also contains a wealth of health benefits for seniors.
Reduces the Risk of Cancer
One of the biggest benefits of fresh iced tea is the amount of antioxidants found in these beverages. According to a 2001 study published in the Journal of Nutrition, both black tea and green tea contain a specific type of antioxidant that reduces the risk of skin, lung, breast, and prostate cancer. These same antioxidants have also been shown to reduce the risk of stress fractures and bone deterioration.
Drinking tea is just one way aging adults can boost their health. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Decreases Calorie Intake
Not many people realize just how many calories are in the beverages they drink every day. Starting right when your loved one wakes up, he or she might be consuming a large amount of calories in a fresh cup of coffee. These calories can quickly add up and lead to excess weight, spikes in blood sugar, and complications with circulation. As long as your loved one doesn’t add too much sugar to the iced tea, this beverage has few or no calories.
Prevents Heat Stress
Heat stress is a serious concern for adults over age 65 because they cannot effectively regulate their internal temperature. In addition to precautions such as wearing light clothing and staying in the shade, a cold glass of iced tea can prevent hyperthermia and other heat-related concerns. Unlike cold foods like ice cream, which could actually cause your loved one’s internal temperature to spike, the heat transfer between iced tea and the digestive system can bring his or her temperature down.
If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of elderly home care. Arlington Assisting Hands Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Increases Mental Alertness
Consuming a small amount of caffeine every day can provide a number of amazing health benefits. The caffeine in iced tea can increase alertness. Iced tea is an excellent alternative to coffee, which often has higher doses of sugar, syrup, and rich creamers. Encourage your loved one to try drinking tea as part of an effort to adopt a healthy lifestyle. A professional caregiver can also help your loved one make positive lifestyle changes. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Arlington families can trust. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. Call us today to learn about our comprehensive in-home care plans.
