Many people drink alcohol as a way of relaxing or socializing with other people. Older adults drink for different reasons than do younger adults. Some have been drinking for many years and are physically dependent on alcohol. Others start drinking later in life because of health problems, boredom after retirement, or loneliness after the death of a spouse or close friend. In most cases, drinking does not present a serious issue, but for seniors, alcohol use carries increased risks. In 2008, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that about 40 percent of adults age 65 and older drink alcohol. Most of them don’t have a drinking problem, but some of them drink too much.
Especially during the holiday season, when parties and other gatherings afford more opportunities to imbibe, seniors and those who care for them should be aware of the effects of alcohol on older adults. Changes in body metabolism mean that it doesn’t take as much alcohol for seniors to experience impairment, and this may lead to an increased risk of falls and accidents. In addition, caregivers may dismiss signs of an alcohol problem such as confusion, falls and depression, attributing those symptoms to the diminished physical and mental capabilities that can accompany old age.
In addition, when alcohol is used with certain medications, or with a combination of medications, it may cause dangerous side effects. One hundred over-the-counter and prescription drugs interact adversely with alcohol and can lead to illness or death. Since up to 30 percent of seniors take eight or more prescription medications each day, this becomes particularly worrisome. Examples of commonly used medications associated with serious alcohol interactions include heart medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), blood-thinning medications and sleep medications.
Beyond dangerous alcohol-medication interactions, alcohol use may exacerbate certain medical conditions. Specifically, alcohol can:
- Increase the risk of high blood pressure or heart problems
- Increase the risk of stroke
- Increase the risk of depression, anxiety and sleep disorders
- Decrease the ability to fight infection and cancer
- Decrease bone density
For these reasons, among others, the National Institutes of Health recommends that individuals 65 and older limit alcohol consumption to only one drink per day, or a total of seven drinks per week.