NTU study: Drinking coffee may help make you less frail in old age

SINGAPORE: A 20-year study conducted by researchers from the National University of Singapore’s Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine has unveiled a compelling link between regular coffee and tea consumption and a reduced risk of frailty in old age. The study, which tracked over 12,000 respondents, found that individuals who consumed two or more cups of coffee or tea daily reduced their chances of frailty by a remarkable 20 per cent.

One of the most extensive of its kind, the study began with respondents with an average age of 53 when they first participated. Researchers meticulously collected data on their daily beverage habits, personal health information, and lifestyle choices.

Among the participants, nearly 70 per cent admitted to a daily coffee habit, with over half of them consuming just one cup per day. More than 40 per cent of respondents indulged in the daily consumption of two to three cups, while approximately 5 per cent of those surveyed were devoted to four cups or more.

The researchers’ findings were crystal clear: those who embraced higher caffeine intake were noticeably less likely to experience frailty as they aged.

However, the researchers also issued a note of caution. While the data supports the advantages of multiple daily cups of coffee or tea, they underscored the importance of maintaining a healthy approach and advised individuals to skip sugar. They added that individuals who opt for milk in their hot beverages should consider low-fat milk as a healthier option.

The implications of this research are far-reaching, potentially reshaping the daily routines of countless middle-aged individuals. With a cup of coffee or tea in hand, many might find themselves on a healthier path towards a more vibrant and robust old age.