Alcohol & Aging

 

Are you nearing or over the age of 65? Does my reminder that you’re not as young as you used to be make you uncomfortable? Don’t be. Aging affects our bodies, period. It’s so important to be aware of those changes and then start changing our habits to make aging more manageable. The National Institute on Aging says that as we grow older, how our bodies handle and process alcohol can change. Have you noticed a change in your alcohol tolerance? Let’s discuss some of the reasons to consider changing your alcohol intake, not to shame anyone, but as a reminder that our health is our greatest treasure. Moderation can still be enjoyable.

According to the National Council on Aging, about 80% of older adults have at least one chronic disease, and 77% have at least two. Chronic diseases include things like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, stroke, etc. Many chronic diseases affect how alcohol is processed in the body and/or make a person more vulnerable to its negative effects. Drugs for chronic diseases may also cause negative side-effects when mixed with alcohol. Physical changes affect alcohol metabolism. As we age we have a decrease in body water and decrease in lean muscle, but an increase in fat. Alcohol is water-soluble, not fat-soluble. We also have fewer of the enzymes that break down alcohol during digestion:

1. The same amount of alcohol we’ve always drank will impact us in a stronger way and may lead to quicker intoxication because there is less water to dilute it.
2. Alcohol will linger longer in our bloodstream and liver, allowing more time to cause damage.
3. Balance, vision, and motor skills are dulled by alcohol. They also weaken with age. Weakened sense combined with quicker intoxication increases accident risk. If I’ve always drank a certain number of alcoholic drinks and been able to drive home, I may not realized that I’ve had too much today. I am now a risk to others. The risk of a fall or other injury to myself is also high if my motor skills and vision are weakened.

So why now? There are many campaigns organized to remind us that heavy drinking can have negative consequences. Sadly, many of these are geared toward adolescents and younger adults. But older adults don’t get a hall pass from the negative consequences of excessive alcohol consumption. Ageism, as discussed in the book Subtance Abuse Among Older Adults illustrates that ‘Younger adults often unconsciously assign different quality-of-life standards to older adults..reflected in remarks like, “Grandmother’s cocktails are the only thing that makes her happy,” or “What difference does it make; he won’t be around much longer anyway.”….Behavior considered a problem in younger adults does not inspire the same urgency for care among older adults.’ The reality is that consuming large amounts of alcohol isn’t okay for anyone at any specific age. For the well-intentioned loved one: fight the awkward feelings and start a conversation if you recognize that your aging loved-one needs intervention. For the aging-adult: a healthy lifestyle is not a fixed plan. What you’ve always done won’t work forever. Making positive changes can mean living the healthiest way you can, right now.

 

1 standard alcoholic drink serving:

1 12-ounce can/bottle of regular beer or wine cooler

1 5-ounces glass of wine

1.5-ounce shot glass of liquor at 80 proof or less

According to the National Institute on Aging, a healthy person age 65 or older should drink no more than seven alcoholic drinks in a week, or three drinks in any given day.

 

DISCLAIMER: This article contains information that is intended to help the readers be better informed regarding exercise and health care. It is presented as general advice on health care. Always consult your doctor for your individual needs. Before beginning any new exercise program it is recommended that you seek medical advice from your personal physician. This article is not intended to be a substitute for the medical advice of a licensed physician. The reader should consult with their doctor in any matters relating to his/her health.