Coffee, red alert for the over 60s: new research has turned the spotlight on the hidden risks of excessive consumption
In Italy the coffee it is a daily ritual, a gesture that marks the days from the morning. The cup at the bar, the coffee after lunch, the “break” coffee and the one offered to friends: for many it is almost unthinkable to give it up, even when you are over 60. Indeed, often those who are retired end up drinking even more, convinced that “feeling good” is enough to avoid taking any risks.
In recent years, various research has shown how the coffee, within certain limits, can have beneficial effects on the heart, metabolism and even the brain. But this does not mean that the rule “the more I drink, the better” applies, especially after a certain age. The body changes, the metabolism slows down, the recovery capabilities are no longer what they were before: what is tolerated without problems at 30 years old can have a different impact at 60 or 70 years old, in particular on cognitive functions.
It is precisely on this point that the alarm arises: recent international research has linked high caffeine consumption with a worsening of some mental abilities in those over 60. We are not talking about a cup every now and then, but about consolidated habits, made up of coffee repeated throughout the day. The study does not prove that coffee directly “causes” the damage, but it shows a correlation which, given the age of the subjects involved, prompted experts to issue a very clear warning.
What the study found: The link between too much coffee and cognitive decline
The research, presented at the International Conference ofAlzheimer’s Associationanalyzed data from over 8,400 people aged over 60, enrolled in the British Biobank. The scholars compared the consumption habits of coffee and tea with the progress of some mental functions over time, in particular the so-called “cognitive flexibility”: the ability to change strategy, solve problems, process information quickly and effectively.
The results showed that those who drank large quantities of coffee showed, in the period observed, a more marked worsening of these skills compared to those who consumed little or moderately. On average, the cognitive flexibility of those who drank less coffee was reduced by almost 9% less than that of heavy consumers, with effects on problem solving and data processing speed. Curiously, for the land the picture seemed to be the opposite: people who didn’t drink it or consumed it rarely had worse results, while regular consumption appeared associated with better performance, always within the limits considered safe.
How many cups a day and what over 60s really have to do
The experts’ message is less frightening than it seems at first glance, but it must be taken seriously: coffee is not “forbidden” for those over 60, as long as the recommended doses are respected and personal health conditions are taken into account. The guidelines indicate the safety threshold for healthy adults approximately 400 mg of caffeine per dayequal – approximately – to a maximum of 4-5 cups of espresso, if you do not consume other sources of caffeine (tea, energy drinks, cola, chocolate). This quantity, however, should be distributed throughout the day, not concentrated in a single solution.
As age advances, common sense suggests staying a little below this threshold, evaluating with your doctor any pathologies (hypertension, heart problems, sleep disorders, anxiety) or medications that can interact with caffeine. For those over 60, the goal is not to eliminate coffee, but to transform it into a conscious pleasure: a few well-distributed cups, without exaggerating, avoiding drinking it in the evening hours and limiting sugar, which should not exceed 40 grams per day in total, including coffee, sweets and other sources.
The same researchers also point out that brain health does not depend only on the amount of coffee drunk. For those over 60, the “classic” rules against brain aging remain fundamental: keeping the mind trained with reading, logic games and social activities; follow one balanced Mediterranean style diet; make regular movement; sleep well and sufficiently. In this context, a coffee enjoyed in moderation can continue to be part of the day, but the idea of endlessly filling the cup to “cheer yourself up” really risks taking its toll, especially when cognitive abilities naturally begin to slow down.
