It’s very common to want to try alcohol when we are young. It’s also a very acceptable social activity for adults. But what happens when people reach their golden years?
It can be difficult for many seniors to consume alcohol, in particular, in the same fashion they used to. There can be some big alcohol risks for the elderly.
Health Problems
As we age, our bodies can no longer handle the lifestyles we may have been used to. We can’t eat large heavy meals, we don’t have the stamina we used to, and we can’t, and shouldn’t consume too much alcohol.
Alcohol consumption in seniors can add to some already existing health problems. Alcohol raises your blood pressure, causes blurred eyesight, and puts you off balance.
If you already have weak muscles, thinning blood, and heart issues, then alcohol will add to that. It’s hard on the liver, brain, and other organs that we depend on to function.
Senior health and alcohol can also cause major side effects when mixed with medications. All too often, seniors may be taking a multitude of medications that should not be taken with alcohol.
With a slower metabolism, it takes less to get inebriated, and the alcohol stays in the system much longer. This can lead to alcohol poisoning, alcohol dementia, and even cancer.
Adding alcohol to already existing health concerns can exacerbate them. It tends to age people beyond the normal rate, making them look older than they are.
Side Effect Risks
One of the biggest concerns about the effects of alcohol on seniors is falling. Even one drink can cause you to become unbalanced and fall. For those who live alone, this can be a disaster.
Blurred eyesight is another alcohol risk for seniors. This can cause all kinds of problems from starting fires, tripping, and worse if they are still driving.
It’s also well-documented that consuming alcohol might make you feel better at the time, it can lead to depression and even suicide. Depression sets in the next day, leading to bad moods, or more alcohol consumption.
People may become light-headed, even after one drink. Because alcohol thins your blood and raises your blood pressure, falling, stumbling, or other accidents will be much more heightened.
Mixing alcohol with medications can cause some serious health complications. From light-headedness to nose bleeds, internal bleeding, and serious organ damage or organ failure.
Keeping Seniors Safe With Alcohol
If your loved one doesn’t have a serious alcohol problem, then moderation is key. It’s not only socially acceptable to consume alcohol at social functions, but also often expected.
Consider light options for your senior guests. Light beer, half of the recommended amount of spirits in a cocktail, and low or non-alcohol wines. Keep an eye on them to make sure they are not taking more than they should.
If there is alcohol being consumed, increase their water intake. This can help dilute it and help their body process it and break it down faster without so many side effects.
There are plenty of alcohol-free products available, and that way people are not inebriated but still feel like they are fitting in and not missing out. You can make up your own family favorites.
If your loved one does have alcohol issues, then stop consuming alcohol when you are with them. For social events, like holidays, use mocktails, and non-alcohol drinks, or eliminate them altogether.
Make a special punch that is alcohol-free, serve soft drinks, and make sure everyone is involved. Just don’t bring any alcohol into the home or to the function.
Get Professional Help
If an elderly loved one in your life has issues with alcohol, it is advised to get professional help. Stopping cold turkey can have an adverse effect on them.
Give them all the support they need. For our seniors who may be on their own, self-medication is rather common. The family is gone, their partner is gone, and they may feel that no one cares.
If you have noticed behavioral changes that may be related to alcohol consumption in seniors, contact your health care provider for more information.