The negative health effects of alcohol have been in the spotlight since the Surgeon General's recent advice, with experts now warning that older drinkers may be more susceptible to their effects. Masu.
As an individual's body changes with age, so may a person's tolerance when it comes to drinking.
“As we age, our body's lean mass and body water percentage decrease,” says Dr. Frederick Davis, vice chair of emergency medicine at Northwell Health in Long Island, New York. , told Fox News Digital.
Alcohol linked to cancer risk in US surgeon general's new advice
“This leads to a decreased ability to metabolize alcohol at the same rate as when we were younger, causing less volume and more impairment.”
Experts warn that older drinkers may be more sensitive to the effects of alcohol. (istock)
Some studies have found that older drinkers may be more susceptible to alcohol's effects on coordination, reaction time, and memory.
Health care experts have warned of the following negative effects of alcohol that can worsen as people get older:
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 increase your risk of cancer, cardiovascular events, and liver disease.
It's well known that alcohol increases the risk of developing various cancers, says Dr. Francis Lee, who treats alcohol-related liver disease at the Mount Sinai Health System in New York City.
6 tips to reduce alcohol use and cancer risk after Surgeon General's warning
“Age is a major factor in developing cancer. Although we cannot stop the aging process, we can control alcohol intake.
Earlier this month, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, issued an advisory warning of the link between alcohol consumption and certain cancers. Murty pointed out that consuming alcohol increases the risk of liver, breast, esophagus, colorectal, esophagus, larynx, mouth and throat cancer.
2. inflammation and insomnia
According to the same study in the journal Alcohol, alcohol misuse can promote age-related changes including systemic inflammation and sleep disorders.
Chronic use of large amounts of alcohol can contribute to inflammation throughout the body through processes initiated in the gut.
Additionally, the prevalence of insomnia tends to increase with age, and alcohol consumption can worsen it.
Some studies have found that alcohol has a sedative effect initially, but wears off after a few hours and disrupts sleep later in the night.
Sleep deprivation is widely known to affect overall health and well-being.
3. malnutrition
According to Laura Feldman, a registered dietitian nutritionist and assistant professor of nutrition at Long Island University Post Campus in Brookville, New York, older adults should be cautious when consuming alcohol due to nutritional concerns.
According to a registered dietitian, older adults should be cautious when consuming alcohol due to nutritional concerns. (istock)
“We need more vitamins and minerals as we age,” Feldman told Fox News Digital. “When consumed long-term, alcohol can actually make it harder for the body to absorb these nutrients from food.”
4. Deterioration of existing conditions
Some older patients may have underlying chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease or heart disease, several health experts told Fox News Digital.
“Alcohol not only exacerbates the progression of these chronic diseases, but it can also interact with drugs, increasing the risk of drug-induced liver damage or other unwanted side effects of drugs,” says Lee. said.
“When consumed long-term, alcohol can make it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients from food.”
He warned that people with diabetes or pre-diabetes should be mindful of their alcohol intake as it can directly affect blood sugar levels.
Alcohol can also affect bone health, especially in people with osteoporosis.
According to some studies, long-term alcohol consumption can interfere with bone growth and bone tissue replacement, which can lead to decreased bone density and increased risk of fractures.
5. Interaction with drugs
An estimated 87% of adults age 65 and older are taking prescription drugs, according to data from the 2021-2022 National Health Interview Survey.
According to Northwell Health's Davis, combining drugs and alcohol can have negative effects on one's health.
According to researchers, the prevalence of insomnia tends to increase with age, which can be exacerbated by alcohol consumption. (istock)
“Alcohol can interact with many medications, making certain conditions more difficult to manage and control and leading to more side effects,” he told Fox News Digital.
“Avoiding alcohol as we age is likely to reduce these risks and promote a higher quality of life.”
6. Increased pain sensitivity
Research shows that chronic pain is one of the most common and potentially debilitating health problems facing older adults.
Alcohol crosses the blood-brain barrier. This plays a role in its depressive and addictive effects.
Alcohol can exacerbate this problem by increasing an individual's sensitivity to pain. Some health experts share with Fox News Digital.
“Chronic pain is a complex process of signals to the brain that is different from acute pain,” Lee said. “The complex neural signaling of chronic pain can be altered and enhanced by alcohol consumption.”
7. Mental and cognitive effects
Lee explained that alcohol (a known depressant) easily crosses the blood-brain barrier.
Heavy alcohol use has also been shown to increase the risk of dementia.
Click here to get the Fox News app
“Alcohol consumption can worsen cognitive decline, cause memory problems, and worsen behavioral problems like depression,” Davis told Fox News Digital.
8. Increased risk of falls
The risk of falling is known to increase with age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), they are the leading cause in adults age 65 and older.
Davis, who specializes in emergency medicine, said falls “can lead to debilitating injuries as we get older.”
Earlier this month, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, issued an advisory warning of the link between alcohol consumption and certain cancers. (istock)
It warned that alcohol impairment could affect balance and coordination and increase the likelihood of falls.
Reduction tips
According to Jonathan Davis, CEO of US-based Trualta, which provides education and support to caregivers, those who care for older adults should approach conversations about alcohol consumption by focusing on collaboration rather than control. There is a need.
Broaching topics with empathy and respect can help build trust while meeting an older adult's emotional and physical needs, he added.
Click here to sign up for our health newsletter
“For some older adults, enjoying alcoholic beverages may provide a sense of normalcy and autonomy,” Davis told Fox News Digital.
Seeking guidance from a health care provider can help ensure the person understands potential risks and interactions, he noted.
If an individual is struggling with alcohol, experts recommend speaking with a health care provider who can recommend a support system or 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,” alcohol-free drinks, and specialty teas that can provide similar fun without the risks of alcohol.
For more health articles, please visit www.foxnews.com/health
Lee also suggested engaging in activities that don't usually involve alcohol.
If an individual is struggling with alcohol, experts recommend speaking with a health care provider who can recommend a support system or medication if needed.
