Is alcohol particularly bad for the elderly? Here are the risks and how to reduce them
The National Medical Association's team of doctors and anti-fraud experts answers the most important health questions
The effects of alcohol on the elderly are often underestimated, but recent studies seem to confirm that the over-65s suffer more damage than younger people, even with the same amount drunk. Alcohol consumption is among the top ten risk factors for premature death and years lived with disability. But what are the specific risks in old age? Is drinking a glass of wine with a meal no longer a good idea?
Is it true that drinking alcohol is more harmful in old age?
Alcohol is a major health risk factor at any age. According to the World Health Organisation, its consumption is associated with more than two hundred diseases, disabilities, and is responsible for more than three million deaths each year. Alcohol is also classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning that there is sufficient evidence of its ability to cause cancer in humans. Even occasional or moderate consumption increases the risk of getting at least six types of cancer. Recurrent studies confirm that, as we age, the harmful effects increase, even if the amount consumed remains the same. Alcohol in fact affects the entire body: muscles, blood vessels and heart, digestive system and brain. In the elderly, these effects worsen the natural age-related decline. Muscle mass decreases and tissues cannot retain water efficiently; therefore, the concentration of alcohol in the blood increases. Ethanol, the toxic substance contained in alcohol, produces more pronounced effects, including dehydration, which triggers a vicious circle.
Even small amounts of alcohol are dangerous and what are the risks for the elderly?
Yes, there is a possibility that even consumption that is considered occasional, as opposed to abuse, can cause damage to organ functions. The likelihood of this happening increases after the age of 65. Today we know with certainty that there is no amount of alcohol that is safe for the body. The effects of alcohol on the elderly affect certain cognitive functions, e.g. the ability to remember names, follow a conversation, do a calculation. The quality of sleep is also affected. It also becomes difficult to assess one's state of health and one may engage in behaviour that is dangerous to oneself and others, such as driving after drinking. According to extensive epidemiological investigations, habitual drinkers are more prone to develop dementia, caused by toxicity, which produces inflammation, and damage to neurological functions; in women these risks appear to be accentuated.
Is it true that one should not drink when taking medication?
True, there are several active ingredients in drugs that interact with alcohol intake. Attention must be paid to anxiolytics and antidepressants, as they can exacerbate the effect and lead to serious consequences. Even over-the-counter drugs such as antihistamines and analgesics - including aspirin - and the most common treatments for diabetes and hypertension deserve attention. Taken in combination with a drink, they can cause tachycardia or ulcers and bleeding. Therefore, it is recommended that you inform your general practitioner of your habits and report any adverse effects.
So the glass of wine during meals is no longer permitted?
People over 65 years of age are recommended not to exceed the daily limit of one alcohol unit (AU). This measure corresponds to 12 grams of ethanol, i.e. 33 cl of beer or a glass of wine (125 ml) or a shot of liqueur (40 ml). In any case, if you can do without it, it is better, and it is necessary in the case of diseases that constitute an absolute contraindication, such as liver disease.
