Press release
Bupa's care home residents share the recipe for the perfect cup of tea
Residents from Bupa care homes share their advice for making the best brew
When it comes to making the best brew, there's no better people to ask than those who’ve been enjoying it for the longest. We surveyed residents across Bupa care homes* to find out exactly how they like their cuppas. Additionally, our health experts explore the benefits that a brew can bring.
*81 residents surveyed across 9 of Bupa’s care homes
The perfect cuppa: Survey results
Milky or strong? Cup or mug? The results are in! Here’s how Bupa care home residents prefer their brew:
7 in 10 prefer tea over coffee
Two thirds don't add sugar or sweeteners
Over half prefer to drink from a cup and saucer
Don't add milk
Have 4 cups a day
Prefer herbal tea
The importance of older friendships
In the last year, internet searches* show more older people are seeking social interaction. If you’re feeling lonely, you’re not the only one:
“Day clubs for the elderly”
Searches up by 800%
“Local clubs for the elderly”
Searches up by 200%
“Social clubs for the elderly"
Searches up by 150%
*Google UK search volumes, January 2022 compared to January 2023
“Humans are social by nature.” Says Naomi Humber, Head of Mental Wellbeing, from Bupa UK. “As we get older, some may find themselves becoming more socially isolated. Without regular interaction, our mental and physical health can suffer.
“Older people experiencing loneliness are vulnerable to health risks associated with social isolation. Research shows that loneliness in older age can harm your health in a way comparable to smoking fifteen cigarettes a day.
“Spotting the signs of loneliness isn’t always easy – they might creep up on you, over time. Whether you feel disconnected from others or can’t remember the last time you laughed with someone. Loneliness can be debilitating. It can be difficult to tell others that you’re feeling lonely, too.
Combatting loneliness with a cuppa
Naomi explains: “It’s important to be brave and build bonds, where you can. Connections with others can start with something simple. For instance, sharing a moment together over a humble cup of tea. Enjoying a warm mug with company can introduce more socialisation into your life.
“Often, local community projects or care home open days host tea and coffee mornings. These can be useful if you're looking to make new friends. Research shows that feeling involved in a community can improve your mental health.
“Our survey shows that how we like a cuppa is just as individual as we are. Why not start a conversation about how you like yours with someone else? You could even try out some of the techniques highlighted in our survey!”
What’s your perfect shade of tea?
We asked our residents to show us their perfect cuppa colour with our ideal tea scale.
The ideal tea shade
Over three-quarters opted for ‘somewhere in between’, preferring their drink on the milkier side.
How to brew the best tea
Our residents shared plenty of advice on what they think makes the best cup of tea. Some think the secret lies in when you add the milk, whereas others believe it’s all in the brewing technique.
Its all about temperature
The temperature of a tea can make or break its quality – at least according to our survey. Residents at Bupa Brunswick Court Care Home are fans of serving tea hot. This includes 74-year-old Susan Bowden, 75-year-old Patricia MacLeod and 81-year-old Carol Stollar.
Others at Brunswick Court don’t want to waste time letting their cuppa cool. They prefer to make theirs cooler so they can drink it as soon as it’s served. 86-year-old resident, Rita Capocci, doesn’t like her tea made too hot. Politely, she requests for it to be ‘drinkable when it arrives’.
Teapot or not?
Lots of our residents mentioned that the humble teapot is key to making the perfect cuppa – and they weren’t shy to share their techniques!
“Always take the pot to the kettle, not the other way round” – Dennis Harvey, 94, of Premier Court Bupa Care Home
“Use a teapot with freshly boiled water” - Rae Wood, of Premier Court Bupa Care Home
“Make it in the pot and warm the pot first” – Pauline Mainstone, 87, of Norewood Lodge Bupa Care Home
Strong or milky?
Milkiness can divide opinion when it comes to tea. Talking of the perfect tea, 92-year-old Christine Yates from Mount Hall Bupa Care Home declares “The milkier, the better!”. But Derek Kalyanvala, 86, of The Goldbridge Bupa Care Home, insists it should be made strong.
Several residents at Elmstead Bupa Care Home prefer hot milk, including residents Jessie, 94, and Phyllis, 79.
Sweet enough
A huge 68% of the residents surveyed don’t add any sugar or sweetener to their drink. Of the third that like a sweet extra to their drink, 57% add only one sugar.
Help when you need it
Choosing a care home can be stressful, especially if you've never done it before. Where do you start? Well, right here. Our helpful, understanding care advisers offer free advice on anything from funding to finding just the right home.
Call a customer care adviser on 0345 600 4622^
Ask us to assess your situation and talk to you about paying for care, and how funding works.
Find care homes that might be right for you, and book one or more visits.
^ Lines are open 8am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 12.30pm Saturday. Closed Sundays and bank holidays. Calls are charged at no more than local rate and count towards any inclusive minutes from mobiles. We may record or monitor our calls.
