Believe it or not, coffee is one of the most popular drinks for the elderly. But caretakers have been pondering about the safe coffee temperature to serve, as well as the overall side effects or benefits of coffee. And while excessive coffee intake can be harmful, a moderate coffee intake can have some serious health benefits for the elderly. So what is a safe coffee temperature for the elderly?
The recommended safe coffee temperature for the elderly is between 130°F and 150°F. When preparing coffee for the elderly it is better to serve it on the lower side. The elderly are more accident-prone, so cooler coffee is a safer bet. This will prevent them from potentially burning themselves.
Since coffee is so popular among the elderly, we put together several ways you can help prevent them from burning themselves. We also go into detail as to why coffee can be healthy for older drinkers. These benefits include enhanced neurological functioning, a lowered risk of developing type 2 diabetes, increased liver protection, and not to mention an energy boost.
But more on the health benefits later in the article. Let’s get started.
Coffee and the Elderly
As we mentioned above, coffee is quite popular with the elderly. In fact, adults over 60 years of age drink more coffee than any age group according to the National Coffee Association. It is also a great health benefactor when consumed in moderation. That is why it is essential to know the safe coffee temperature in order to avoid scalds and burns, especially in care facilities or retirement homes.
Author Note: A lot of burns come from either hot food or hot beverages, and while we are not saying you should avoid hot coffee entirely, but you might want to consider serving it between 130°F and 150°F.
Not only is this temperature a lot safer, but experts even say that it best for enjoying the rich taste of the coffee.
Different Coffee Temperatures and Preferences
Ok, so some people like their coffee hot, and I mean really hot. So much so, that they take pride in it. However, drinking coffee at extremely hot temperatures actually prevents you from tasting it. You might have noticed that coffee needs a bit of time to cool off, and it’s only then that you start tasking all its subtler notes. If you opt for hotter coffee chances are you are missing out on the richness of that particular cup.
The other aspect is burning. We’ve all had at least a close one when it comes to burning ourselves with coffee. Coffee shops have lost lawsuits for serving coffee too hot and having customers burn on it. One instance made McDonald’s even change their coffee serving temperature from 195°F – 205°F to a cooler 180° – 190°F.
The optimal coffee temperature is actually between 150°F – 175°F. It is the best temperature to still have a moderately hot cup of coffee, and get all the rich tastes from it. It is worth noting that these temperatures can still cause burns in about a second, so it should be avoided when serving coffee for the elderly.
For a safe coffee temperature for the elderly, it is best to serve it between 130°F and 150°F, temperatures that are safe. For example, a hot beverage of approximately 130°F will cause a serious burn after about a minute, which is plenty of time to react, as opposed to a hot beverage of 175°F which needs only 1 second to cause a severe burn.
What Is a Safe Coffee Temperature for the Elderly?
As we mentioned above, the safe coffee temperature when serving the elderly is between 130°F and 150°F. It is worth noting that a hot beverage of 150°F needs a bit more than a second to cause a serious burn. A hot beverage of 140°F will cause a serious burn in about 5 seconds, and a hot beverage of about 127°F needs a minute to cause a serious burn.
So it is worth taking into consideration the type of elder you are bringing coffee to, as well as if there is any close assistance. You can never go wrong with serving coffee at the lower temperature, keeping it around 130°F, but if the person has steady hands and there is someone that can react fast, you might even go up to 140°F or 150°F.
These temperatures will still give you a warm cup of coffee with a lowered risk of burning.
Making Coffee for the Elderly
Depending on the coffee maker you have at hand and the preferences of the person, you can serve different types of coffee. There are no limitations on different coffee types for different age groups, as long as the coffee intake is moderate. So the most important thing would be to always know the temperature of the coffee you are serving. A useful tip is to use containers and cups that let the coffee temperature drop over time. This way the coffee can breathe, and so can you.
Some coffee makers have a temperature indicator which is really helpful when preparing coffee for the elderly. Once you have prepared a batch of coffee you can just let it cool off a bit before serving it. If you are making a bigger batch of coffee for more than one adult, it is good to make it earlier in the morning, so it is ready and cooled by the time you serve it.
Author Note: For other coffee makers that don’t have a temperature indicator, it is good to have a portable thermometer for beverages. That way you can be on the safe side when it comes to safe coffee temperature.
Another helpful way is to add some cream or cold milk to the coffee to lower the temperature. I have even seen people add ice cubes to their hot cup of coffee to make it cooler, but if this is not your thing, a little patience is enough, the coffee will cool on its own.
Serving Iced Coffee
Another not so popular option with the elderly is serving cold or iced coffee. However, cold brew coffee and iced coffee, in general, are not so popular with older adults. So you might need to stick with regular coffee. But if by any chance they are a fan of cold coffee beverages, all the better. There is no danger of burning yourself with iced drinks and you can still enjoy a nice cup of coffee.
Preventing Burns and Scalds
When preparing and serving coffee, make sure you use containers that will allow the coffee temperature to drop. This is crucial when preparing and serving coffee to the elderly.
Plus there are some extra caution steps you can take to prevent burning accidents. Firstly, always make sure you keep the cup of coffee away from the table edges. This is a good practice regardless of age, but especially important when serving coffee to the elderly. It lowers the chance to know over the cup accidentally and burning yourself or others. Another thing is you should never leave coffee unattended, especially hot and warm coffee.
You should use bigger cups or mugs, or if you are using travel cups, make sure they always have a lid on. Coffee on the go should be avoided, but if absolutely necessary, it should be served in a travel mug that closes properly.
When serving coffee, avoid filling the cup all the way. It is better to leave some room so that it is harder to spill. The same goes for travel mugs. Again, it is better to use a bigger cup and not fill it all the way, than a smaller one and overfilling it.
You can discourage individuals from using travel mugs and having coffee on the go. Try to make it a common practice to have coffee sitting down while relaxed. Also, make a note to inform people when hot or warm coffee is served and is in their presence. That will make them more aware and more careful.
When serving coffee to the elderly, place the cup near the dominant hand and always in sight.
Parting Words
It is always better to be safe than sorry. So make sure you follow our suggestions when serving coffee to the elderly.
Remember, the safe coffee temperature for the elderly is between 130°F and 150°F, and you can always lean on the cooler side. Serving cooler coffee, say 130°F will allow more time to react in case the coffee is spilled and prevent severe burns. You can always try to encourage cool coffee during the summer.
It is always safe to have a thermometer for beverages in hand if your coffee maker doesn’t come with a temperature indicator, that way you always know if the coffee is too hot to serve. You can also make sure you use containers and cups that allow the coffee to cool off and the temperatures to drop. This is very important and will save you some time as well. You can always make a bigger batch first thing in the morning which will be ready to serve in a short while and there will be enough for everyone to enjoy.
Author Note: Avoid serving coffee to go, but if you have to, make sure you use traveling mugs that close properly and are easy to hold. This will prevent the elderly from burning their hands. Encourage older folks to sit down and relax when drinking coffee.
And last, but definitely not least, make sure you prepare it with love. There is nothing better than a good cup of coffee in the morning, and everyone deserves to enjoy a tasty cup of joe, no matter their age.
Stay caffeinated friends!