Energy drink companies have a new target for their herbal-infused, caffeinated beverages: senior citizens. Younger consumers are historically the bulk of the energy drink market but California research firm The Values Institute predicts that companies that have been neglecting an even bigger consumer market in the retirement community will wake up and smell the Red Bull.
Popular energy drink 5 Hour Energy recently hired spokesman John Ratzenberger, known to many as Cliff Clavin on “Cheers,” to head up their new campaign reaching out to the over-60 set. They plan on appealing to seniors who want to maintain an active lifestyle into their golden years.
These beverages commonly contain stimulants that include caffeine, guarana and ginko biloba. It’s important to keep in mind that caffeine is a diuretic and can leave the body low on water. It can also increase blood pressure, disrupt sleeping patterns and increase anxiety. If you are a senior citizen interested in drinking these beverages, but concerned about the potential side-effects, make sure to consult a physician. An energy drink that works for one person may cause an unpleasant reaction in another, pending tolerance to stimulants or medical condition.
Some energy drinks create a boost of zest by adding a lot of sugar. Increasing one’s consumption of sugar is rarely advisable for anyone other than athletes, but may be particularly dangerous for seniors at risk for diabetes or struggling with hypertension.
