Green Tea for Healthy Old Age

Green tea may help senior citizens stay active and healthy. A study of 14,000 Japanese elders over 65 years old found that those who drank five cups or more a day were much more likely to maintain their activities of daily living as they aged. Over the three years of the study, 13% of those who drank less than a cup of green tea daily lost functional abilities in basic activities and needed assistance. Such impairment was 50% less likely among those who drank more tea. Tea drinkers were also more likely to eat a healthier diet and were more sociable. They were also less likely to smoke and were better educated. The investigators adjusted for these other factors and still found a significant benefit from drinking green tea.

[American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, online, January 25, 2012]