Tags:
Journalism of Courage
If you feel like you cant drink the way you used to,youre not alone. An aging body is more sensitive to alcohol than a younger one.
The National Institutes of Healths Senior Health Website has issued new warnings about alcohol and aging,reminding people 65 and older that even a few drinks can hit them harder than in their youth. The reason is that older people metabolise alcohol more slowly,and they also have less water in their bodies. The result is that an adult who consumes just a few glasses of wine will have a higher percentage of alcohol in blood than a younger person drinking the same thing. Thats why you may start feeling tipsy sooner after consuming alcohol,even if your drinking habits are the same as always.
Drinking alcohol while taking medications for high blood pressure,diabetes,gout or heart problems can make those conditions worse. Even over-the-counter pain relievers can pose a risk. Drinking alcohol while using aspirin or arthritis drugs can increase the risk for stomach bleeding. Alcohol can also increase the risk for liver damage if taken with acetaminophen,the pain reliever in Tylenol.
Alcohol can also lead to balance problems. Older adults who drink are at higher risk for hip fractures. The increased risks do not mean older people have to stop drinking,but they need to be more aware of what they drink and how often. The US National Institutes of Health says people over 65 should not consume over seven drinks a week,and should have no more than three drinks a day.
