Many people have no qualms about indulging in a few glasses of wine or pints of beer every so often. As people age, however, they may need to adjust their alcohol consumption for a variety of reasons. Seniors should consider a number of factors before enjoying cocktails.
Alcohol and aging
As you get older, your body changes in a variety of ways. For some, this can affect the way alcohol is processed, which means they need to reevaluate their drinking habits. When people age, their bodies become less adept at retaining water, a physical function that’s key for safe drinking. NIH Senior Health notes that this makes it difficult for older people to dilute alcohol while drinking, which can cause their blood alcohol levels to rise dramatically after just one hard beverage. The source explains that most older people experience physical symptoms associated with drunkenness, such as slurred speech and loss of balance, much faster than their younger counterparts.
Additionally, alcohol can exacerbate existing medical issues in many seniors. People who have chronic heart, brain or liver issues should attempt to reduce or completely eliminate their alcohol intake, NIH Senior Health recommends. Drinking can also increase your risk of developing mental health issues, like anxiety and depression, notes the patient.info website.
Seniors should be aware of how their drinking habits can affect their health.
Mixing medication
Most seniors take some sort of medication on a regular basis. While many drugs are perfectly safe when combined with alcohol, others can have serious consequences when mixed with spirits. The National Institute on Aging explains that it’s not simply prescription meds that could cause adverse effects when washed back with liquor – over-the-counter pills and natural remedies can present alcohol-induced health risks as well.
For example, the source points to generic cold medicine, which can make users extremely drowsy when combined with a drink. Aspirin and alcohol may increase your risk of intestinal bleeding, while common painkillers can contribute to liver damage when mixed with booze. Always carefully examine labels before consuming alcohol alongside medication, and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
How much is too much?
Seniors who feel they can keep drinking moderately may need to redefine what this means as they age. Younger people can consume more beverages with less severe side effects, while older imbibers may need to limit themselves more strictly. NIH Senior Health indicates that healthy adults over 65 should avoid drinking more than seven drinks per week, and should consume no more than three alcoholic beverages in one day.
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