Public health experts have made suggestions that seniors should reduce their alcohol intake compared to that of middle-aged and younger adults. Some experts recommend lowering a maximum alcohol intake to as little as 1.5 units for men, and 1 unit for women.
Experts suggest that seniors have a reduced alcohol tolerance compared to that of younger adults, and need to adjust their drinking habits accordingly.
The risks to health may include:
- A reported increase of depression rates in seniors who drink to the point of drunkenness.
- Consistent drunkenness masking the symptoms of dementia and decreasing chances of friends and family members noticing early signs.
- Alcohol-related falls. Falls are the number one concern to senior health.
- Combining alcohol with subscription medication, leading to side effects.
As we enter the senior years of our lives, our bodies go through many changes that we need to adapt to. So when you hear the phrase “I just can’t drink like I used to!”; it’s true!