The statistics from emergency care hospitals is grim for seniors: alcohol-related discharges among older adults reached nearly 750,000 in 2012 alone. More recent statistics report 14% of seniors admitted into the ER are due to drug and alcohol related issues. Do we have a problem with alcohol and aging?
I read a few interesting theories. One purported by the U.S. National Institute on Aging is that families, friends and healthcare workers often overlook (or ignore) their concerns about older people drinking. But did you know that 10-15% of people don’t start to drink heavily until they reach their senior years?
It may be caretakers and relatives mistake trouble with alcohol for other conditions related to aging, such as a balance problems, forgetfulness, and depression.
Problems often start when seniors are encouraged to drink moderate daily red wine for health benefits. But what is moderate for a senior? Often people forget they’ve had their daily dose, and drink more.
Alcohol and Aging: A Deadly Mix
Aging lowers the body’s tolerance for alcohol. Older adults generally experience the effects of alcohol more quickly than when they were younger. Some may even feel “buzzed” without increasing the amount of alcohol they drink. According to National Institute of Health, women are more sensitive than men to the effects of alcohol.
This puts seniors at higher risk for falls, auto accidents, and other unintentional injuries from drinking. Many prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as herbal remedies, are dangerous or even deadly when mixed with alcohol. Throw in THC (cannabis in edible or other forms) and you’ve just turned the risks up a notch or twelve.
Let’s face it: when it comes to alcohol and aging, it’s not a pretty picture. Heavy drinking will make all the common problems of aging worse. Over time, drinking too much alcohol can lead to:
- Cancer
- Liver damage
- Immune system disorders
- Brain damage
- Heart conditions
- Worsen other conditions, such as osteoporosis, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke/TIA, G.I. and mood disorders
Not to mention, memory issues, including not remembering how many drinks we’ve already had, and what medications we’ve taken. Perhaps the only good thing is when seniors don’t remember where they put their keys or parked the car, thus lowering the chances of a DUI.
We are responsible for taking good care of our bodies and minds. That’s why we recommend limiting or even eliminating alcohol intake. When you avoid alcohol, you avoid a problem that makes aging worse.
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