Over the age of 50, the body processes alcohol differently than it does in younger people. Because your liver cannot break down alcohol as efficiently as it did when you were younger, even if you drink the same amount as you did when you were younger, you’re more likely to experience the effects of intoxication sooner and to feel them for longer. Further, because your body loses muscle mass as you age, it can take longer to recover from any injuries sustained during an episode of binge drinking or intoxication. This article explains the impact of alcohol on the elderly and why it’s so important to avoid excessive drinking, especially as you get older.
Alcohol’s Effects on Brain Function
Drinking alcohol can be dangerous for anyone, but it can be hazardous for aging family members if they drink heavily or regularly. They may be more likely to experience negative consequences than younger drinkers, including memory loss, depression, poor judgment, and confusion.
Alcohol and Aging
Since your body processes alcohol differently as you age, alcohol can take a greater toll on your health. Many older adults make decisions based on their social environment and how they feel. If their friends are drinking, they will likely drink too. The number of drinks you can manage before showing signs of intoxication decreases with age; older people tend to show signs of impairment more quickly and severely than younger drinkers.
Medicine Interactions
Alcohol can interfere with certain medications, especially diuretics (medications that reduce blood pressure by promoting urination) and sedatives. If you plan to drink, talk to your doctor about any medications you’re taking—especially if they also have sedative effects. Doctors may recommend an alternative medication or tell you not to drink while taking them. Don’t assume light versions of alcoholic beverages will be safer. A single serving of beer, wine, or distilled spirits can affect aging adults differently than younger people. Always pay attention to what alcohol you are drinking and how much to keep yourself safe while drinking in moderation.
Is There a Safe Amount?
While it’s tempting to assume that moderation is a safe approach, even one drink a day may put you at risk for alcohol-related liver damage, certain cancers, and accidental injuries. A better approach: If you or a loved one has a medical condition that may be affected by alcohol consumption—heart disease, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes—ask your doctor if it’s OK to have any alcohol at all. And if you do choose to have one drink, keep in mind that many people can’t stop with just one.
Overconsumption of alcohol can lead to many health problems. It can make you more likely to develop cancer, liver disease, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Additionally, according to recent studies by researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), elderly who drink are likelier than others their age to suffer from dementia (memory loss) and Alzheimer’s. Experts aren’t sure why that is; however, it may be that people with these health conditions are more likely to turn to alcohol to cope with symptoms like depression or anxiety. It also could be that alcohol use accelerates these symptoms among people already experiencing them.
