As one ages, bodily functions decline more rapidly, and an increasing number of middle-aged and elderly individuals fully realize the importance of health and wellness. We know that tea is a pure, natural healthy beverage, containing substances beneficial to the human body such as polyphenols, amino acids, fructose, and more. Taking polyphenols for example, they are natural antioxidants that can help the body eliminate harmful free radicals, delay aging, and prevent senile dementia. Therefore, the older one gets, the more proactive they become in steering clear of carbonated drinks like Coca-Cola, Sprite, and others.

Why do older people like to drink tea?

1. The intrinsic properties of tea

Aside from quenching thirst, tea has extremely high cultural significance. Chinese tea culture has been passed down for thousands of years, accumulating a rich heritage. Drinking Tea is a delightful experience that can also reflect one's depth, sophistication, and personality.

Young people, full of youthful vigor and enthusiasm, are more willing to accept new things and seek excitement and novelty. Thus, they tend to consume various fruit juices and novel beverages, showing less interest in traditional teas.

However, as they age and gain more life experience, young people gradually mature, becoming less interested in everything and less curious. Instead, they focus on their own fields and care about friends and family. At this point, they discover that tea complements their lives well.

This is because tea is reserved and tranquil, capable of being a constant companion, even though it may seem as mundane as water. Its enduring presence over time is why many people develop a preference for tea as they grow older.

2. The Health benefits of tea

Birth, aging, illness, and death are natural laws that no one can escape. From infancy to youth, through the burdens of middle age, and into the golden years, the body's functions progress from weakness to strength and then to decline—a trend that cannot be altered.

Young people have robust bodies that can withstand stress, so they often don't prioritize health, neglect self-care, and show little interest in wellness practices. However, once they reach middle age and notice a gradual decline in physical and mental vitality, they begin to understand the importance of health and the role of wellness. This realization often leads to a growing appreciation for tea.

Tea contains numerous nutrients that benefit the human body. Regular consumption of tea can help eliminate free radicals, reduce fatigue, maintain alertness, aid digestion, improve metabolism, and enhance the immune system. Thus, drinking tea for health is highly effective, especially with long-term consumption, which can bring significant changes.

Once middle age arrives, the emphasis on maintaining health grows, leading to an increased preference for tea.

3. What should you pay attention to when drinking tea daily?

From a health perspective, consistently drinking tea every day can indeed yield good results, but there are some considerations to keep in mind.

Firstly, timing is important when drinking tea. It's best not to drink tea on an empty stomach in the morning or before bedtime at night. After lunch, avoid drinking tea immediately. The ideal times for tea consumption are around 9-10 AM, 3-4 PM, and at least two hours before bedtime.

Secondly, control the amount of tea you use. As the saying goes, tea should be mild rather than strong, which is very true, especially for regular tea drinkers. They should reduce the quantity of tea leaves used in each brewing to maintain the concentration of the tea. Overly concentrated tea can cause various issues and is detrimental to health.

Thirdly, pay attention to the temperature of the tea. Drinking tea while it's warm is a universal truth. Only the right temperature can bring out the aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel of the tea. However, it's important to remember that the mouth and esophagus can only tolerate a certain level of heat. Drinking overly hot tea can cause burns and, in severe cases, increase the risk of cancer. Therefore, it's crucial to avoid drinking scalding hot tea.

Lastly, consider your constitution when drinking tea daily. Everyone's constitution is unique; according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, there are nine constitutions. You should choose different types of tea based on your constitution. For instance, those with a cold constitution should opt for warming teas, while those with a hot constitution should choose cooling teas. Furthermore, one's constitution is not static and can change due to variations in health status. To achieve wellness benefits from tea, it may be necessary to adjust the type of tea consumed accordingly.