The Growing Problem of Increased Drinking Among Older Adults: Experts Warn Against the Health Risks | CNN

Retirement and Alcohol: A Growing Concern for Older Adults

Retirement may bring regarding a time of relaxation and enjoyment for many individuals, but experts warn that one aspect that should not increase during this stage of life is alcohol consumption. Dr. George F. Koob, director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, highlights the significant health impacts that alcohol can have on older adults, making the rise in drinking among this demographic a pressing concern.

In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the percentage of older adults, especially women, who consume alcohol on a monthly basis. Moreover, compared to individuals under the age of 65, older adults tend to drink more frequently. This shift in alcohol use among the older population can be attributed to the baby boomer cohort born between 1946 and 1964. According to Dr. Koob, this generation has historically exhibited higher rates of alcohol and drug use compared to preceding generations, leading to an overall increase in alcohol consumption among older adults.

However, it’s not just the prevalence of drinking that is concerning—it’s also the sheer number of older adults in the baby boomer generation. The size of this cohort means that more individuals are engaging in binge drinking or developing alcohol use disorder, ultimately resulting in an increase in alcohol-related deaths. This rise in drinking poses a potential burden on the healthcare system, as healthcare resources may be strained by the growing number of older adults seeking treatment for alcohol-related health issues.

While conversations surrounding alcohol consumption have shifted in recent years, with more emphasis on healthy living and alcohol alternatives, this cultural shift has primarily been driven by younger generations. As a result, older adults may be less aware of the potential harms associated with alcohol use. It is crucial for individuals in their 70s and older to understand that their bodies no longer process alcohol in the same way they did in their younger years. Metabolism slows down, and experts like Dr. Stephanie Collier, director of education in the division of geriatric psychiatry at McLean Hospital in Massachusetts, note that an older adult’s response to alcohol becomes much stronger. This is further compounded by the fact that aging leads to a decrease in the enzyme responsible for metabolizing alcohol, resulting in a higher blood alcohol concentration and more pronounced effects from the same amount of alcohol consumed in previous years.

The consequences of excessive alcohol consumption among older adults extend beyond the immediate effects on their bodies. Impaired driving performance, slower reaction times, memory issues, and compromised balance are more pronounced in older adults, increasing the risk of falls and related injuries. Additionally, the combination of alcohol and medication can be particularly risky for older adults, who are more likely to take multiple medications regularly. Alcohol can intensify the effects of medication and lead to adverse reactions, including depressed breathing. Particularly concerning is the fact that alcohol weakens the body’s ability to