In this article, we have reviewed the best lightweight coffee mugs for elderly. If you are in a hurry, the table below gives a quick snapshot of the best ones.
Contents
Nearly 23% of our elderly have some form of arthritis[1]. 1 million suffer from Parkinson’s[2]. Depressing statistics, but I am sure if you are reading this article, you may have already experienced one of these, or know somebody who does.
64% of America drinks coffee every day[3], and that ratio is more than 70% among the elderly. But if you suffer from Arthritis, Parkinson’s’, or any of those other blighted diseases that make your hands weaker, holding your coffee mug is a task in itself.
Let us try to make your morning cuppa a bit easier today!
The video below shows hand exercises for patients with arthritis.
Our Top choice – Independence Two Handle Clear Mug
The Independence Two Handle Clear Mug/2 Lids is our top choice among the best lightweight coffee mugs for elderly, because of the following reasons:
- Most mugs have a lid, but the handle isn’t that great. Others have a good handle but no lid. This product has both, and two of each to boot!
- Continuing from above, people with Parkinson’s’ might appreciate the sipper lid, and others may need the convex lid. Having both is a great idea!
- Two handles; makes it easy to hold for people who have weakness in their hands
- Its made of clear plastic, with ounce markers. You know exactly how much of your drink is left. Plus its fairly durable, and doesn’t get too hot
- It is a wide body cup, and therefore has a low center of gravity, making it difficult to tip over.
- All of this, at a very reasonable price!
Best Lightweight Coffee Mugs for Elderly
#1 Sammons Preston Insulated Mug with Snorkel Lid
Sammons Preston is one of the most respected brands in the adaptable and elderly-friendly products category.
This nice little mug from Sammons Preston is made of polypropylene and is insulated to make sure that you don’t get scalded with an overly hot drink.
The spout is great for people with dexterity issues, who cannot hold the mug properly. The handle on this mug has a large design and is easy to hold for seniors.
The mug itself weighs only 3 ounces and can hold liquids upto 12 ounces, which makes it comfortable enough to hold your drink.
Pros
- The snorkel lid helps the elderly to drink easily even if their hands are shaky
- The large handle is specially designed for an easy grasp.
- The ergonomic design of the cup helps the elderly to hold it easily.
- The cup is extremely lightweight and made from durable material
Cons
- Many customers claimed that there leakages from the lid.
- The vent hole in the lid is tiny.
- The insulation is not so useful.
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#2 Dignity Mug by Granny Jo Products
This mug is the original design of 2 handled mugs that is meant for people who find it difficult to hold the mug with one hand, such as elderly and arthritis patients.
The handles are over-sized for an easy grip. The product itself is made of ceramic, white in color, which does not get too hot or cold easily, maintaining the perfect temperature for your coffee mug.
The mug holds 8 ounces of liquid, not allowing more so that it doesn’t become too heavy for the users for whom this product is designed. The mug itself weighs about 9 ounces.
Since its not made from the cheaper plastics that are being used today, this product is completely microwavable and dishwasher safe.
Pros
- Over-sized handles on each side, making it easy to hold the mug in various positions
- Does not allow more than 8 ounces to be held so that it doesnt become too heavy
- Microwave and dishwasher friendly
- Lightweight, but stable
Cons
- Since the mug is made up of ceramic, it breaks if it falls on the ground.
- Due to no insulation property, holding the walls of the mug is not a good idea.
- After a few weeks of use, some reported internal cracks.
#3 SP Ableware Maddak Tan Hand To Hand Mug
This is a lightweight plastic mug, but it looks like a ceramic mug externally. Both hot and cold liquids can be stored in this mug.
The shape of the mug is contoured, with a ridged texture, which gives the user a better grip when holding it. The walls of the mug have double insulation to keep the mug from becoming too hot or cold.
The base of the mug is larger than the rest of the body, giving it added stability. It also has an oversized handle for easily holding it. This mug can retain 10 ounces of fluid in it, and is both dishwasher and microwave friendly.
Pros
- Double insulated walls to keep the mug from becoming too hot or cold
- Oversized handle, good for people with dexterity problems.
- Ridged outer design for better grip
- Look and feel of a ceramic mug, lightweight due to plastic material
- Both microwave and dishwashing are supported.
Cons
- Few users have complained about staining and scratching of the internal surface
- The mug is not able to retain the temperature.
- There are cracks produced at the bottom of the mug that supports leakages.
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#4 Independence Two Handle Clear Mug with 2 Lids
The independence two handle clear mug is specifically designed keeping in mind the problems encountered by aging and elderly every day.
The mug has 2 handles on either side, therefore allowing the user to hold it with both hands. The handles are nice and large in size, making it easier to hold them.
There are two lids on this mug – a spout lid and an anti-splash lid. The contoured spout on the spout lid comfortably fits into the mouth, without slipping out. The ant—splash lid ensures there is no direct flow of liquid in the mouth, and splashes are avoided.
The mug is made from clear plastic with ounce markings on it, making it easy for the user to see how much liquid is left. You can also use this mug for medication, because of the ounce markings.
The mug itself weighs a paltry 3 ounces, and can hold upto 9 ounce of liquid in it. It also has a wide base which makes it very stable and prevents accidentally falling down. It is both dishwasher and microwave friendly.
Pros
- Oversized handles on either side, easy to hold the mug with both hands
- Two lids – a splash protection lid and a spout lid
- Clear Plastic with markings, for drinking your medications
- Weighs only 3 ounces, and can hold upto 9 ounce of liquid
- Wide base for extra stability
- Microwave and dishwasher friendly.
Cons
- It isn’t easy to control the lids.
- There is leakage observed.
- The size is small.
#5 SAN Plastic – Hot Beverage Mug
The SAN plastic hot beverage mug is a lightweight mug (only 3.5 ounces), with an oversized handled and which can hold 10 ounces of liquid at a time.
The mug is dishwasher and microwave safe, it is stackable and also has a drip-proof lip, which is great for pouring out liquids, if you need to do so.
The plastic is BPA free, and the material made to use them is mechanical, chemical, and heat resistant.
Pros
- Oversized handle for better grip
- Available in a 10-ounce size
- Stackable, easy to store
- Microwave and dishwasher friendly
- Plastic is insulated for easily holding warm liquids
- Clear Plastic with markings, for drinking your medications
- Weighs only 3 ounces, and can hold upto 9 ounces of liquid
- Wide base for extra stability
Cons
- It isn’t easy to control the lids.
- There is leakage observed.
- The size is small.
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#6 Thixotropic Two-Handled Steel 16 Ounce Cup
This large but lightweight mug has handles on either side, making it easy to hold with both hands for people who have trouble holding objects due to poor hand dexterity or weakness in limbs.
It is stable with a wide base and low center of gravity, so it cannot easily be tipped over by anybody. It also has a no-dribble rim, which makes it really easy for people who cannot drink too hot or too cold beverages to try them.
This mug is made from enameled steel, not like ceramic, which breaks easily lf dropped. It is microwave and dishwasher friendly to boot
Pros
- Oversized handles for better grip
- Available in 16-ounce size
- Microwave and dishwasher friendly
- Stable with a large base and low center of gravity
- Made from enameled steel, does not break easily
- Microwave and dishwasher friendly
- Spill proof rim
Cons
- Does not have double-layered insulation
- The size is small.
#7 DOWAN 15 oz Coffee Mug Sets
Each of this set of 2 coffe mugs weighs only 2.2 pounds. They are large in size, and can hold upto 15 ounces of liquid.
A splash-proof lid is provided on each mug. The lid can be slid open and is otherwise sealed with a rubber gasket, making it a good mug to keep your liquid hot.
The bottom of the cup is made from cork, which can be held easily without the fear of hurting your hands. It also helps protect any surface on which these mugs are kept.
The handle is oversized so that it can be held easily by anyone. The mug is otherwise made of ceramic, which helps to lock in the flavor of the coffee.
Pros
- Oversized handles for better grip
- Weighs only 2.2 pounds, can hold upto 15 ounces of liquid
- Made from ceramic with a cork bottom, locks in the flavor and is easy to hold
- Lid with rubber gasket for sealing in the heat
- The lid is splash-proof
Cons
- Not microwave and dishwasher friendly
- These are taller and therefore have a higher center of gravity, making it easy to tip them over
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What Should You Look For Before Buying the Best Lightweight Coffee Mugs for Elderly?
Right Size
The first consideration is to decide the size of the mug. It should be compatible with the wrist strength of the older man. 10 to 12 ounces of liquid is generally taken as the capacity of the lightweight mugs.
Mugs are usually bigger in size in comparison to cups. Hence their power is more. But elderly adults has limited wrist strength. Therefore the material should have a minimum dead load. It will help the person to feel comfortable with the mug.
The handles should be oversized and easily gripped. The size and volume are both contributing factors for the choosing of the right profile.
Right material
Porcelain, ceramic and stainless steel are some of the materials preferred. Sometimes polymer option is also available. A ceramic mug is cheaper than China mugs.
There is an advantage of considering porcelain. If the mug falls on the ground accidentally, there will be only shattering and no cracks. All the lightweight home coffee mugs are made up of ceramic.
The stainless steel option is also not bad. It does put any ill effect on the flavor of the coffee. Plastic foam and paper mugs must be avoided. They significantly induce effects for changing the taste of the coffee.
Right Lid
The right lid is essential if the material is stored in the mug for a l
ong time. In many cases, the lids prove handy when the mug is used to drink during traveling. Plastic is the most often used material for the lid. There are different styles of lids. Some lids offer a see-through. Some lids have a straw-putting feature. Others have an opening that allows the lid to slide.
There are taps for flipping the lid to open. The most effective one is the screw lid. It keeps the fluid most securely. There is no chance of spilling.
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Right design
Aesthetic value is also essential for choosing the right coffee mug. A simple mug with no special features is decent. But not necessarily everybody is going to love it. Some coffee mugs have exciting designs and patterns.
There are certain comic characters or humorous quotes printed on them. The design parameter entirely depends on the theme preferred by the person.
Whether it is a plain mug or a novelty mug, the composition must suit the kitchen. Also, it should be washable in a proper way. Hence, multiple factors, including the psychology of the mind, govern the mug’s design parameter.
Right Handle(s)
Arthritic and elderly hands are often frail and weak, and cannot hold a coffee mug easily. It is best to have a mug with handles on both sides, so that it can be held with both hands, and also it can be held in a variety of positions, so that the user can choose a position that might be least painful for them.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How to remove coffee stains from the lightweight coffee mugs?
You can gently rub the internal surface of the mug with a scrubber. Baking soda will accelerate the process. After sprinkling some cold water on the mug, a little amount of baking soda must be spread. The mug is kept for a few minutes and then washed in the same pattern.
Chemical agents must be avoided to clean the coffee mugs. It may happen that the washing is not proper. The harmful chemicals will remain and enter the stomach of the person. He or she may fall ill. Hence only some organic methods must be used to clean the coffee mugs.
Q. Which type of cup keeps coffee the hottest for longest??
Stainless steel mugs can retain the heat of the liquid poured inside them for the longest time. Insulated cups are also good at holding the heat of the liquid poured inside them. Probably the worst mugs are the plastic ones, which tend to make the liquid cool off very quickly.
Q. What is the best material for a coffee mug?
Ceramic is usually considered the best material, because it is a neutral material that can retain the flavor of coffee easily. Plastic tends to absorb the flavor, and stainless steel mixes its own flavor a bit.
However, in the case of mugs for the elderly, ceramic is not a good option because it is heavier than other materials and therefore is not easy to hold.
Q. What fluids can we put in these mugs?
Though coffee is the most preferred option in the mug, hot chocolate will also work fine. One can drink cold beverages like juice and milkshakes in it.
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Conclusion
Coffee mugs are a matter of personal choice. While we have presented a wide variety of options, each person may have his or her own individual taste. It is important to ensure the comfort level of your loved ones with the choice that you are making before you purchase a coffee mug for them.
We believe that in this article, we have offered a wide range of cups that are easy to handle for the elderly.
We have incorporated actual reviews and comments from Amazon users, and have done our own research and analysis as well before coming up with this list.
In our opinion, Independence Two Handle Clear Mug/2 Lids is the best choice among all the multiple options. Functionality wise, no other cup beats this one for the elderly friendly features that are available. It is also the least expensive cup in our lineup. The only reason for not choosing it may be that a person might not like the plain design of the cup.
The Sammons Preston Insulated Mug with Snorkel Lid, Durable Container for Hot and Cold Liquid Beverages, Tea, Smoothies, 12 oz Blue Travel Coffee Cup with Lid for Elderly, Disabled, Handicapped, Weak Grip is another value for money product that we would like to recommend. It offers excellent value and features in a limited price range.
References:
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/arthritis-related-stats.htm
[2] https://www.parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Statistics
