As The Age Of Retirement Increases, Workers Are Continuing To Enjoy Drinking Coffee To Maintain Cognitive Function

Main Category: Seniors / Aging
Article Date: 09 Dec 2010 - 3:00 PDT


New research reveals that just under half of all people in the UK aged 50 and over are still working 37 hours or more a week, of which over two thirds are working out of financial necessity (71.5%) rather than mental stimulation or enjoyment1.

According to research conducted by the British Coffee Association, there are increasing numbers of workers aged over 50 who drink coffee to give themselves a break in the day and to boost alertness and performance levels at work. In order to maintain alertness and concentration levels throughout the day as many as 65% of people felt that a break in the day and a cup of coffee helps them to perform better at work1.

Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP, says, "The new research highlights that we are working much longer into our lives, often well beyond retirement age. It's important that we look after our health and take regular exercise, drink plenty of fluids and take our breaks in the day. For those who enjoy cups of coffee during their coffee break they can be reassured that moderate coffee consumption, of around 4 - 5 cups per day, is safe and will help keep you hydrated as well as increase your alertness level."

The research, conducted amongst 1,001 full and part time workers aged over 50 also found that:

· Over one quarter of people (27%) are worried about how they will cope financially after they retire1.

· Even amongst workers aged 60 - 69 years old and 70 - 79 years old, 52.6% and 25% of people have remained in work due to financial concerns respectively1.

How Does Coffee Help Workers Stay Alert?

Coffee's main active ingredient is caffeine which is a mild central nervous stimulant that temporarily increases physical and mental performance2. Drinking coffee can therefore have positive effects on an individual's alertness and concentration, which has been shown to be of particular benefit when feeling tired. Caffeine is also widely shown to be an ergogenic aid - a substance that improves the capacity to do work - as well as improving cognitive function2,3.

Additionally, The latest scientific research shows that when consumed in moderation (4-5 mugs per day), coffee is safe and may even have health benefits including protecting against Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Coronary Heart Disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes4,5,6."

References

1. Opinion Matters market research conducted amongst 1,001 people aged over 50+ still in full time employment. Research conducted between: 07/09/2010 and 16/09/2010

2. Smith, Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental; 20: 441-445, 2005

3. Dorea et al, British Journal of Nutrition; 93:773-782, 2005

4. Lopez-Garcia E., et al. Circulation - Journal of the American Heart Association, 2009 (available online: http://circ.ahajournals.org)

5. Sugiyama K., et al. The Journal of Nutrition, Coffee Consumption and Mortality Due to All Causes, Cardiovascular Disease, and Cancer in Japanese Women

6. Oba, S. et al - Consumption of coffee, green tea, oolong tea, black tea, chocolate snacks and the caffeine content in relation to risk of diabetes in Japanese men and women. British Journal of Nutrition, October 2009

Source:
British Coffee Association

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