Drinking alcohol is a personal choice for many. For senior adults, however, there are additional considerations to keep in mind to protect their overall health and well-being. This blog post from Senior Helpers Vero Beach focuses on the 2023 guidelines related to drinking alcohol and the potential physical, mental, social, and medical effects commonly seen in seniors.
Physical Considerations
Aging brings certain changes in the body, including a slower metabolism or in some cases, reduced weight. This means seniors may be more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol than younger individuals. Alcohol will stay present in the bodies of senior adults longer than in the bodies of younger adults. Seniors are also more likely to get dehydrated when drinking. Be sure to stay well-hydrated if you do choose to drink alcohol. Excessive drinking can also increase dizziness and disorientation, leading to an increased rate of falls and injuries. This contributes to subsequent emergency department visits and hospitalizations.
Mental and Social Considerations
Drinking alcohol can lead to impaired decision-making, mood swings, and memory loss. Excessive drinking can also cause difficulty with basic verbal understanding, thinking, and problem-solving, as well as feelings of anxiety or depression. These feelings can make the senior more prone to self-isolation, or withdrawing from friends or social activities they once enjoyed. Seniors are particularly at risk for all of these cognitive and emotional challenges, so being careful and deliberate when consuming alcohol is critical. Family members should also note any sudden changes in a senior's behavior, and address them promptly with the senior or senior's caregiving team.
Medical Considerations
While moderate alcohol intake can lead to better health and a lower risk of chronic conditions, excessive drinking can cause permanent damage to a senior's overall health. Long-term, heavy alcohol use is capable of causing serious issues including potential liver, heart, and kidney damage. Alcohol has also been linked to lower life expectancy and increased risk of cancer. Doctors recommend no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women for healthy individuals over 65.
Seniors are also likely to be taking medications that may have adverse, even deadly effects when consumed with alcohol. Be especially careful and consult your doctor before drinking if you take medications. Be sure to follow all instructions from your doctor when it comes to medication management and exercise moderation in your drinking.
Senior Helpers Provides Compassionate Caregiving Services
Seniors need to consider several factors when evaluating their alcohol consumption. Senior adults are more susceptible to alcohol's physical and mental effects, and potential interactions with common medications add another complication. With these above guidelines in mind, seniors can make informed decisions about their drinking. If you want to learn about personal, in-home caregiving services that can further support your senior, contact Senior Helpers Vero Beach today. We proudly provide personalized caregiving services for seniors in and around the Fellsmere, Sebastian, Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, and Okeechobee areas.