Q. My mother still likes to have a glass of wine or two most days, which seems okay, but I’m wondering what the risks are given her age.
A. Many people enjoy a glass of wine every now and then. Alcohol can affect each of us differently so it’s important to discuss usage with your health care team. As we age, our bodies undergo various changes that can affect how they process substances like alcohol. For older adults, the impact of alcohol can be more pronounced and potentially harmful, making it important to understand the risks involved.
As we age, our bodies tend to lose muscle mass and gain fat. This means that alcohol is more concentrated in the bloodstream since there is less water in the body to dilute it. As a result, even small amounts of alcohol can lead to greater intoxication in seniors compared to younger adults.
Alcohol also interacts with medications, which many people take regularly for conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or arthritis. These interactions can either reduce the effectiveness of medications or amplify side effects, leading to dangerous consequences such as dizziness, confusion, or even internal bleeding.
In addition, older adults are more susceptible to the cognitive and physical effects of alcohol. Chronic drinking can exacerbate age-related cognitive decline, increasing the risk of memory loss, confusion, and even dementia. Alcohol can also impair motor coordination, increasing the likelihood of falls and fractures, which are already a significant concern for older adults.
Regardless of age, excessive alcohol consumption can worsen existing health conditions like liver disease, heart disease, or hypertension.
While moderate alcohol consumption may be acceptable for some of us, it’s important to consult our healthcare providers to understand how alcohol might affect our health. Awareness of these risks can help all of us safely and enjoy a higher quality of life.
Are you caring for an older adult or need help finding healthy aging resources? Our experienced staff is available to help. Visit us online at www.agespan.org. You can also call 800-892-0890 or email info@agespan.org.
Joan Hatem-Roy is the chief executive officer of AgeSpan, which serves the following cities and towns: Amesbury, Andover, Billerica, Boxford, Chelmsford, Danvers, Dracut, Dunstable, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Marblehead, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Peabody, Rowley, Salisbury, Salem, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, Westford, and West Newbury.
First published in the Eagle-Tribune.
