This article was provided courtesy of the National Council on Aging.

What are the recommendations for alcohol consumption among older adults? You might think this would be an easy question to answer given the years of research on the topic.

But it’s not always straightforward, especially considering that, as we get older, our health status can change, and existing conditions or medications can alter how alcohol affects us. That’s why it’s always wise to keep your health care team up to date on your drinking habits.

WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS

For years, studies suggested moderate drinking might benefit health. “Moderate” typically means up to one drink per day for women and up to two per day for men—equal to 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits, 5 ounces of wine or 12 ounces of beer.

Newer research, however, highlights a complex interplay between its potential benefits and risks. A global study showed that the risks of drinking outweighed the benefits and concluded that no amount of alcohol was safe. Additionally, the American Cancer Society (ACS) now recommends avoiding alcohol entirely for optimal health and reduced cancer risk. If people do drink, the ACS advises keeping intake moderate.

Still, some studies have found potential cardiovascular benefits from light-to-moderate drinking. For instance, breast cancer risk is increased in women who drink two to five drinks a day. However, more women over the age of 60 die each year from heart disease than from breast cancer. So, drinking in moderation may have some protective cardiovascular benefits that outweigh cancer concerns.

Experts acknowledge that the studies and the various recommendations can be frustrating.

“One of the most challenging factors in the studies is the fact that a lot of drinking occurs in social situations, and it can be difficult to separate out the effects from the social interactions versus the alcohol,” said Dr. Melissa Stiles, professor emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Research shows that alcohol’s effects are influenced by many factors, including health conditions, medications and personal tolerance. Talk honestly with your doctor about your drinking habits and reassess them as your health or lifestyle changes.

What we do know is that, as we age, the body metabolizes alcohol differently than when we were young. 

“We need to be cognizant of that and always re-assess our drinking habits, keeping to light or moderate drinking if one chooses to drink,” said Stiles.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF MODERATE DRINKING

• Social engagement. Sharing a drink with friends or family can enhance connection, boost mood and reduce feelings of isolation—factors that are especially important for older adults.

• Heart health. Moderate drinking has been linked with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke, possibly due to increased “good” cholesterol (HDL) and reduced blood clot formation.

• Cognitive function. Some research suggests moderate drinkers may experience slower cognitive decline in certain areas, such as verbal and spatial skills, compared with heavy drinkers.

POTENTIAL RISKS OF MODERATE DRINKING

• Falls and injuries. As we age, alcohol takes longer to metabolize, leading to higher blood alcohol levels and slower coordination. Even modest drinking can increase the risk of falls.

• Medication interactions. Alcohol can intensify or counteract the effects of many medications, sometimes dangerously. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist how alcohol might interact with your prescriptions.

• Alcohol use disorder. While rates of alcohol dependence tend to drop with age, older adults who’ve been lifelong drinkers may still face serious health risks or dependency that requires professional help.

• Cancer risk. Alcohol increases the likelihood of several cancers, including breast, liver, mouth, throat and colon cancers.

Learn more at NCOA.org.

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