Drinking Among the Elderly


            Problem drinking has adverse health effects for people both young and old. Even so, heavy drinking in older
            people is a problem that is frequently over-looked and has serious negative effects on health and well-being. Here
            are the facts:

• Researchers found that 23 percent of men and nine percent of women between
  ages 50 and 64 admitted to binge drinking in the last month.

• Among adults age 65 and older, more than 14 percent of men and three percent of
  women reported bingeing on alcohol, which was defined as having five or more
  drinks on one occasion, on at least one day in the past month.

So-called at-risk drinking:

• Was defined as averaging at least two drinks per day.

• Among 50- to 64-year olds, 19 percent of men and 13 percent of women were
  at-risk drinkers. The figures among older men and women were 13 percent and 8
  percent, respectively.



            Aging and Alcohol

            • As people age, they may become more sensitive to alcohol’s effects. The same amount of alcohol can have a
              greater effect on an older person than on someone who is younger. Over time, someone whose drinking habits
              haven’t changed may find she or he has a problem.

            • Heavy drinking can make some health problems worse. It is important to talk to your doctor if you have problems
              like high blood sugar (diabetes). Heavy drinking can also cause health problems such as weak bones
              (osteoporosis).

            • Many prescription, over-the-counter and herbal remedies can be dangerous or
              even deadly when mixed with alcohol. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist if
              you can safely drink alcohol.

            • Older people who consume alcohol are highly susceptible to the damaging
              effects of drug-alcohol interactions, not only because they are more likely to be
              taking multiple medications but also because they metabolize both medications
              and alcohol more slowly than do younger people.

            • Because over-consumption of alcohol suppresses the immune system, it puts
              drinkers at increased risk of infection. It also impairs the balance and judgment of
              older adults, increasing the likelihood of falls and other accidents.

            • Older adults with alcohol problems also are more likely than people without
              drinking problems to manage their physical pain with alcohol.



            Sources:
            Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration
            The Vancouver Sun
            National Institute on Aging