Alcohol Use and Seniors: What is a Healthy Balance?

What Every Senior in Vancouver, BC, Needs to Know About Alcohol Use
Alcohol Use and Seniors | Many of us don’t shy away from the occasional cocktail with a friend or the glass of wine with dinner, and for those seniors with proper doctor’s approval, this need not change them either. However, it’s crucial to be aware of how alcohol can physically and mentally affect elderly adults, and how those signs of alcohol abuse can look different in seniors.
Alcohol Use and Seniors: When Changes As We Age?
- The way we process alcohol changes – Our metabolisms slow down when we get older, and this means that alcohol stays in our blood for a longer period. This means that the effects last longer.
- Intoxication feels different – It’s no secret that older adults will have lower tolerances for alcohol, which means that the effects of alcohol can come about much more quickly and rapidly.
- Seniors are likely to have conditions made worse by alcohol use. Seniors may have conditions that are exacerbated by alcohol use, and often their medication cannot be mixed with alcohol.
While some seniors may discuss with their doctors what their situation is and find that they are fit to consume alcohol, many who don’t may find an array of signs and symptoms
Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Use in Seniors:
- Feelings of agitation when not drinking
- Lying about drinking habits
- Social or financial problems as a result of alcohol abuse
- Loss of appetite
- Drinking to combat feelings of depression or anxiety
There are many programs out there that specifically cater to seniors and alcohol, and studies have found that these sorts of programs are more effective when they target a specific age group. If you think someone has a drinking problem, you should encourage them to seek out help.
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Personal Care and Senior Homecare in Vancouver, BC
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