Negative the impact of alcohol on health have been in the spotlight since the Surgeon General’s recent advice, and now experts are warning that older drinkers may be more vulnerable to these effects.
Just as an individual’s body changes with age, so can a person’s tolerance when it comes to drinking.
“As we age, our lean body mass and the percentage of water in our body decreases,” Dr. Frederick Davis, associate chief of emergency medicine at Northwell Health in Long Island, New York.
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“This leads to a reduction in our ability to metabolize alcohol at the same rate as when we were younger, leading to smaller amounts that cause more damage.”
Experts warn that older consumers may be more sensitive to the effects of alcohol. (iStock)
Some studies have also found that older drinkers may be more sensitive to alcohol’s effects on coordination, reaction time, and memory.
Health experts have warned of the following negative effects of alcohol that can worsen as people age.
1. Increased risk of cancer
A 2023 study published in the journal Alcohol found that chronic heavy alcohol consumption causes DNA damage and oxidative stress, which can lead to an increased risk of cancer, cardiovascular events and liver diseases.
It is well known that alcohol increases the risk of developing various types of cancer, claims Dr. Frances Lee, who treats alcohol-related liver disease at Mount Sinai Health Systems in New York.
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“Age is a major factor in the development of cancer – and although we cannot stop the aging process, we can control alcohol intake, which can help reduce the overall risk of developing various types of cancer,” he told Fox News Digital.
Earlier this month, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, issued an advisory warning about the link between alcohol consumption and certain types of cancer. Murty noted that alcohol consumption increases the risk of cancer of the liver, breast, esophagus, colon, esophagus, larynx, mouth and throat.
2. Inflammation and insomnia
Alcohol abuse can accelerate changes associated with aging, including systemic inflammation and sleep disordersaccording to the same study in the journal Alcohol.
Chronic use of alcohol in large quantities can contribute to inflammation throughout the body through a process initiated in the gut.
In addition, the prevalence of insomnia tends to increase with age, and alcohol consumption can make it worse, according to the researchers.
Several studies have shown that although alcohol initially has a sedative effect, it wears off after a few hours and leads to sleep disturbances in the second half of the night.
It is common knowledge that lack of sleep affects overall health health and well-being.
3. Insufficient nutrition
Older adults need to be careful when alcohol consumption because of eating problems, according to Laura Feldman, a registered dietitian nutritionist and assistant professor of nutrition at Long Island University Post Campus in Brookville, New York.
Elderly people should be careful when consuming alcohol because of dietary issues, according to a registered dietitian. (iStock)
“As we age, we need more vitamins and minerals,” Feldman told Fox News Digital. “When consumed over a long period of time, alcohol can actually make it harder for the body to absorb these nutrients from food.”
4. Deterioration of the existing situation
Some elderly patients may have chronic conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney and heart disease, several health experts told Fox News Digital.
“Not only can alcohol worsen the progression of these chronic conditions, but it can also interact with medications, potentially increasing the risk of drug-induced liver injury or other unwanted drug side effects,” Lee said.
“When consumed on a long-term basis, alcohol can make it harder for the body to absorb nutrients from food.”
Those who have diabetes or with pre-diabetes should be careful about alcohol intake, Feldman warned, because it can have a direct impact on blood sugar levels.
Alcohol can also affect bone health, particularly affecting those with osteoporosis.
Long-term alcohol consumption can interfere with bone growth and bone turnover, which can result in decreased bone density and an increased risk of fractures, according to several studies.
5. Interactions with medicines
An estimated 87% of adults age 65 and older and more than 90% of those age 75 and older take prescription drugs, according to data from the 2021-2022 National Health Survey.
Combining drugs with alcohol can potentially have negative effects on one’s health, according to Northwell Health’s Davis.
The frequency of insomnia increases with age, and alcohol consumption can make it worse, according to researchers. (iStock)
“Alcohol can interact with a number of medications, making certain conditions more difficult to manage and control and leading to more side effects,” he told Fox News Digital.
“Avoiding alcohol while we are older can reduce these risks and result in a better chance for a higher quality of life.”
6. Increased sensitivity to pain
Chronic pain is one of the most common and potentially debilitating health problems coping with older adults, studies have shown.
Alcohol crosses the blood-brain barrier, which plays a role in its depressant and addictive effects.
Alcohol can make this problem worse by increasing an individual’s sensitivity to pain, some health experts told Fox News Digital.
“Chronic pain is a complex signaling process to our brain that is different from acute pain,” Lee said. “Complicated neural signaling of chronic pain can be altered and enhanced by alcohol intake.”
7. Mental and cognitive effects
Lee explained that alcohol – a known depressant – transfers easily blood brain barrierwhich plays a role in its depressant and addictive effects.
Excessive alcohol consumption has also been found to increase the risk of dementia.
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“Alcohol intake can also worsen cognitive decline, causing memory problems, as well as making some behavioral problems worse like depressionDavis told Fox News Digital.
8. Increased risk of falling
It is known that the risk of falls increases with age. They are the leading cause of injury for adults 65 and olderaccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Falls “can lead to debilitating injuries as we get older,” noted Davis, who specializes in emergency medicine.
Earlier this month, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, issued an advisory warning about the link between alcohol consumption and certain types of cancer. (iStock)
Alcohol can affect balance and coordination, leading to a greater chance of falls, the doctor warned.
Tips for cutting
Elderly caregivers should approach conversations about drinking with a focus on collaboration rather than control, according to Jonathan Davis, CEO of Trualta, a US-based caregiver education and support company.
Bringing up the topic with empathy and respect will help build trust while meeting the older person’s emotional and physical needs, he added.
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“For some older adults, enjoying an alcoholic beverage can provide a sense of normalcy and autonomy,” Davis told Fox News Digital.
Seeking a doctor’s guidance can help a person understand potential risks and interactions, he noted.
If an individual is struggling with alcohol, experts recommend talking to a doctor who can recommend support systems and medication if needed. (iStock)
“Together, caregivers and seniors can develop a plan that balances safety and emotional well-being.”
Davis also recommended exploring alternatives to alcoholic beverages, such as “mocktails,” soft drinks or specialty teas that can provide a similar pleasure without the risk of alcohol.
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Lee also suggested engaging in activities that don’t typically involve alcohol.
If an individual is struggling with alcohol, experts recommend talking to healthcare provider who can recommend support systems and medication if needed.
