It’s true! Tea lovers have over 1,500 varieties to choose from. Tea has played a major role in many cuisines and cultures. January is National Hot Tea Month, a delightful time to brew a delicious cup and learn more about the beverage that has brought us joy for so many years. 

You’re less likely to experience a crash after consuming caffeine when drinking tea,  compared to coffee. That’s because tea contains high levels of antioxidants, which slows the absorption of caffeine. This means the caffeine hits your system in a more gentle, mild way so you’ll still have the alert sense that caffeine is known for without a crash when your cup is empty. A cup of black coffee contains about 40 mg of caffeine compared to 105 mg found in a cup of drip coffee, so your caffeine consumption will be lower than if you were having a cup of joe. 

One pound of tea that is ready to drink is actually made up of nearly 2,000 very small leaves! Over 25 countries cultivate tea as a plantation crop and the cream of the crop is harvested by hand from plants located in very high elevations.  

Want the best cup of tea? Knowing the proper protocol for steeping is key. The type of tea you’re making will dictate how long to steep, which is essential to the perfect brew. If you love black tea, aim for 3-5 minutes of steeping for optimal taste, using water that reaches 200 degrees Fahrenheit. White tea has a shorter steeping time and temperature, namely a minute or two at 170 degrees.

Tea contains a plethora of health benefits. One of the most powerful is polyphenols, potent antioxidants that are instrumental in repairing cells and could prove helpful in fighting diabetes, cancers and cardiovascular disease. You’ll find effective flavonoids and polyphenols in green, black, white and red tea. 

If you’d like to celebrate National Hot Tea Month, consider trying out a new tea that you’ve never experienced. It doesn’t mean giving up the varieties you love, but as we age, our preferences change, too.  Ask friends for recommendations of their favorites, browse online or ask the staff at your local tea shop.  

Another way to properly honor National Hot Tea Month is to enjoy a pot of tea in the company of family or friends. Spending time catching up with a mug of hot tea can be soothing for your soul and psyche! 

Need help in learning more about senior living options? The Senior Care Advisors at CarePatrol are always here for you. Come and share a cup of tea with us, discover more about communities in your area and let’s talk about the right options for you or your loved one. We’re just a phone call away. 

This is a good time to take steps to become and stay healthy, especially for caregivers and older adults. The American Geriatrics Society’s Health in Aging Foundation and the National Institute on Aging recommend a few New Year’s resolutions for healthy aging, including:  

-Making healthier food choices: Whether recommended by a physician or simply by personal choice, including healthy food choices in your daily diet can help you feel better physically and mentally. Click here to access resources for healthy eating. 

-Remaining physically active: Incorporating exercise into everyday activities is an important part of healthy aging. There are a variety of exercises that are suitable for all kinds of fitness levels that can be done individually or in groups. Learn more here. 

-Giving your brain a workout: From reading a new book or playing a musical instrument to joining a language club or exercise class, trying new activities can help exercise not only your mind and body but can also bring a new life perspective. Check out some fun activities that are available online. 

-Scheduling an annual wellness check-up: At least annually, discuss needed health screenings and any changes in your advance directive with your care provider. At times, older adults are visiting with their care providers due to a specific health issue. Having a complete wellness visit can provide a full picture of one’s health status.

-Discussing your Advance Directive: Making healthcare decisions for yourself or a loved one can feel like an overwhelming process. It is important to understand preferences and desires early on to ensure that everyone is on the same page if a serious illness or need for care transition occurs. Learn more about getting your affairs in order here. 

-Evaluating care needs and living environment: Sometimes an older adult's need for additional help is obvious. More often, though, the change happens gradually. Keeping check on mental, physical and environmental conditions are ways to determine appropriate care solutions. 

What are your New Year’s resolutions for 2022? Whatever they may be, setting realistic and achievable goals is best. Short-term changes can influence long-term results.