Alcohol Consumption & Aging – New Developments

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Older people metabolize alcohol more slowly than younger persons. Moreover, older people have less water in their bodies as compared to younger people so they have a higher percentage of alcohol circulating in their blood.

It was also pointed out that, older adults suffer the ill effects of alcohol, like slurred speech and lack of co ordination much faster than they did earlier on consuming the same quantity of alcohol.

Excess drinking may also increase the chances of getting serious diseases with liver, heart or brain damage. It may lead to osteoporosis, the risk being higher in women. Alcohol may also worsen existing conditions such as, diabetes, BP, congestive heart failure, liver and memory problems, depression and anxiety.

Often seniors are on medication and the interaction of medicines with alcohol can have undesirable consequences- i.e. either the medications efficacy is reduced or it may cause drowsiness, confusion, lack of co ordination or nausea, vomiting and headaches. Taking aspirin and alcohol together can also increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Acetaminophen, a pain killer, can lead to liver damage in the presence of alcohol.

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User Comments

14 September, 2010 | Santosh | Reply

In your opinion will just 1 drink a day help or harm especially for people like us who have always had and enjoyed a drink or two ?

23 August, 2010 | Krithika | Reply

My Dad is 73 years old and a widower. He drinks about 60 - 90 ml almost everyday. He is a hypertensive and also had stroke in the past. His food consumption has decreased off late and he is not ready to quit drinking. HE says that he is bored and no socializing as my brother has a transferable job. We are unable to help him in any way. Any suggestions.

02 September, 2010 | Poonam | Reply

Hello Krithika,
I can understand how you feel at this point of time. Many older adults do resort to excessive drinking because of loneliness, as is the case with your dad. Given his medical conditions it is rather dangerous for him to drink this much. Please insist that he go out for a walk to some park everyday - he will meet people of his age group and get to socialise, which will make him feel better. He can join a yoga class or even some religous group where he gets to meet more people. You will need to help him and even coax him into it if needed. All the best.

20 August, 2010 | Vijayalakshmi | Reply

Sangeetha I can also add that many take it as they are lonely, in emotional pain, insecure or a whole lot of emotional causes. Many of the ex defence personnel who are used to drinking it continue as it is a habit.

20 August, 2010 | Sangeetha Narayana Swamy | Reply

It has been found that seniors use alcohol to lessen the pain associated with loss of physical capacity and relieve themselves from severe chronic pain. Also lack of good social network, living alone, to cope with personal problems make seniors resort to alcohol more.

18 August, 2010 | Vijayalakshmi | Reply

A simple tip for the elderly people to ease the effect of even one drink alcohol. Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! Staying well hydrated will counter the effect of excess alcohol circulation in the blood and prevent dehydration, the cause of the symptoms mentioned above. No amount of water is too much. It also helps if you eat complex carbs like whole wheat toast, cereal etc to absorb the alcohol.

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Tags: Alcohol Abuse, Alzheimers & Nutrition, Cardiovascular Disease, Chronic Lifestyle Diseases, Health Hazards, Healthy Lifestyle, Seniors Health

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