Learn the benefits of drinking warm beverages, and discover new ways to enjoy your daily cup.

Relaxing Yet Thirst-Quenching

Sipping on a warm liquid provides many benefits for senior adults.

• Hydration: The human body needs water to function at its best. Lack of thirst and a change in body makeup can make seniors more susceptible to dehydration.
• Digestion: Liquid helps in the digestive process, from washing food down the esophagus to promoting movement within the intestines.
• Warmth: Holding a warm cup and breathing in steamy vapors can help keep chills away.
• Mouth lubrication: Sipping liquids can help alleviate the discomfort of dry mouth.

Stimulating Beans

Americans enjoy their coffee; in fact, almost 75% of them drink the brewed beverage repeatedly. However, seniors like their daily cup even more, with 81% of retirees admitting to regular coffee sipping. Water makes up the largest percentage of the liquid in your coffee cup. However, the beverage also contains various compounds, many of which have been researched for benefits. 

Caffeine is coffee’s double-edged sword. On the one hand, it’s linked to a decrease in the risk of Parkinson’s disease and an increase in alertness and mental acuity. But too much caffeine can cause jitteriness and insomnia and may interact with medications. If your caffeine consumption is causing you problems, consider cutting back or switching to decaf in the afternoon and evening.

Coffee is loaded with antioxidants, which may help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s. Studies have also shown a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes among coffee drinkers of both regular and decaf.

Nurturing Tea Leaves

There are countless varieties and blends of tea with anti-inflammatory benefits and immune system support. Black tea typically has the highest concentration of caffeine, while many herbal blends contain no caffeine at all. White, green and oolong tea varieties offer unique taste sensations and a host of health benefits.

If you love to sip warm herbal teas for the flavor alone, you may be surprised at their additional uses.

• Peppermint and ginger teas can help with various digestive issues, including nausea and indigestion.
• Turmeric tea contains curcumin, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties that may help with arthritis symptoms.
• Chamomile tea can help with muscle and overall relaxation.

Satisfying Hot Chocolate

For a sweeter start or end to your day, try a cup of hot chocolate, with or without the marshmallows and whipped cream. Cocoa contains an assortment of compounds that have been linked to lowered blood pressure, improved mental function and mood enhancement. In addition, making cocoa with milk offers sleep-promoting amino acids like tryptophan.

If you enjoy the southwest flavors so familiar to Phoenix, Arizona, spice your hot chocolate with a dash of cinnamon and cayenne pepper.

Creating a Customized Hot-Beverage Experience

The restaurant-style dining services at Bethesda Gardens Phoenix make it easy to order your favorite drinks and try new ones. At the same time, you can enjoy socializing with new and old friends.

Many people love the convenience of an in-room coffee pod server. Buy pods for your assisted living apartment in various flavors, from single roast coffees to specialty flavors like cinnamon roll and raspberry truffle. You can also get pods for hot chocolate and tea.

Consider drinking from a meaningful mug or cup to add enjoyment to your daily ritual. Ceramic or clay material holds heat better than glass, prevents spills and protects your hands. Choosing a special mug for the day lets you express your personality and emotions.

You can customize your hot beverage by choosing different blends or mix-ins. For example, coffee creamers come in numerous seasonal and regular flavors, from the classic French vanilla to fragrant pumpkin spice. Create personalized tea blends by mixing English Breakfast or Earl Grey with a small amount of fruit-flavored tea leaves. Adding sugar, cream, milk or lemon can produce dramatically different results.

Your hot beverage should provide a delicious escape from the world, whether planning the day, retreating for afternoon meditation or preparing for restful slumber. To avoid complications, ensure your doctor or the medical staff at Bethesda Gardens Phoenix know the type and amount of refreshments you regularly consume. 

Certain medications can interact with the compounds in tea (herbal and regular), coffee or chocolate. If you have difficulty with dairy products, you may need to modify your use of milk or cream. Store-bought tea and coffee beverages may contain sugar and carbohydrates, which can spike blood sugar levels. Pay attention to labels if you're purchasing premade drinks.

Finally, be careful when handling hot beverages and allow your drink to cool slightly before testing.

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