As a clinical psychologist who works with many retired older adults, I’ve encountered several who are drinking more than they did when they were working. A martini before dinner, a shared bottle of wine with dinner, followed by an after-dinner brandy can result in a very tipsy older adult. Retired adults have time on their hands and don’t have to show up for work the next day, and alcohol consumption can easily ramp up.
There are a number of statistics that set off alarm bells. Between 2010 and 2020, the population of adults age 65 and over grew to 55.8 million people — baby boomers represent a huge bubble in our population, and they are retiring in record numbers.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), a survey indicated that 20% of adults age 60-64 and 10% over age 65 report current binge drinking. These numbers may be much higher since many adults minimize their alcohol consumption.
Why is this so concerning?
As we age, our bodies become less tolerant of alcohol, putting older individuals at a greater risk for falls, automobile accidents and other unintentional injuries. The consequences of accidental falls become more severe as we age. When alcohol abuse is combined with mobility problems, the risk of an emergency room visit significantly increases.
Growing older comes with increased health problems, and heavy drinking can make these problems worse — bringing on diabetes, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and osteoporosis, to name a few. Furthermore, these health conditions result in more than one medication that can mix badly with alcohol.
Also, as we get older, sleep problems become more common. Many older adults use alcohol to help them fall asleep. However, alcohol is not an effective sleep aid; it disrupts sleep patterns, leading to more frequent awakenings and, overall, less sleep.
So, what should older adults do?
• Pay attention to how much you’re drinking. The NIAAA recommends that senior men should have no more than two drinks per evening and women one drink.
• Pay attention to what others are saying to you about your alcohol consumption. Spouses and adult children may say something to you about your alcohol use. Listen to what they have to say and consider their observations.
• Ask yourself: “Has my drinking been increasing? Why?” Multiple studies suggest that during the pandemic, about 25% of people drank more than usual, often to cope with stress.
• Talk to your primary care provider. Let your primary care provider know about your alcohol consumption. Be honest. Your provider can connect you with resources that can help you.
Paul Schoenfeld is a clinical psychologist at Optum Care Washington, formerly The Everett Clinic.
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