Alcohol could be worse for older adults, experts warn

The negative alcohol impacts on health They have been at the center of attention from the recent notice of the general surgeon, and now experts warn that older drinkers could be more sensitive to those effects.

As an individual’s body changes with age, he can also change his drinking tolerance.

“As we age, our lean body mass and the percentage of water in our body decrease,” Dr. Frederick Davis, associate president of Northwell Health emergency medical president in Long Island, New York, told Fox News News.

Alcohol is linked to the risk of cancer in the new warning of the US general surgeon.

“This leads to a decrease in our ability to metabolize alcohol at the same rate as when we were younger, which leads to smaller amounts cause more deterioration.”

Experts warn that older drinkers could be more sensitive to the effects of alcohol. (Istock)

Some studies have also found that older drinkers could be more susceptible to the purposes of alcohol in coordination, reaction time and memory.

Health experts warned about the following negative effects of alcohol they can worsen As people aging.

1. Greater cancer risk

In a 2023 study published in the Alcohol magazine, it was discovered that chronic alcohol excessive consumption causes damage to DNA and oxidative stress, which can lead to a higher risk of cancer. cardiovascular events and liver disease.

It is well known that alcohol increases the risk of developing various types of cancer, according to Dr. Frances Lee, which treats alcohol -related liver diseases in Mount Sinai Health Systems in New York City.

6 tips to reduce alcohol consumption and cancer risk after the warning of the general surgeon

“Age is the main factor for developing cancer and, although we cannot stop the aging process, we can control alcohol consumption, which can help reduce our general risk of developing cancer. various cancers“He told Fox News Digital.

Earlier this month, Dr. Vivek Murthy, US General Surgeon, issued a warning about the link between alcohol consumption and certain types of cancer. Murty pointed out that alcohol consumption increases the risk of liver cancer, breast, esophagus, colorectal, esophagus, larynx, mouth and throat.

2. Inflamation and insomnia

Alcohol abuse can accelerate age -related changes, including systemic inflammation and Sleep alterationsAccording to the same study in Alcohol magazine.

Chronic alcohol consumption in large quantities can contribute to inflammation throughout the body through a process initiated in the intestine.

In addition, the prevalence of insomnia tends to increase with age and alcohol consumption can worsen it, according to researchers.

Several studies found that although alcohol initially has a sedative effect, disappears after a few hours and causes sleep alterations in the second half of the night.

It is widely known that lack of sleep affects general health. health and well -being.

3. Insufficient nutrition

Older adults should be careful when Consume alcohol Due to nutritional concerns, according to Laura Feldman, registered dietitian nutritionist and assistant nutrition professor at the Post Campus of the University of Long Island in Brookville, New York.

According to a registered dietitian, older adults must be careful when consuming alcohol due to nutritional problems. (Istock)

“We need more vitamins and minerals as we age,” Feldman told Fox News Digital. “When consumed in the long term, alcohol can make it difficult for the body to absorb these food nutrients.”

4. Worsening of existing conditions

Some older patients may have underlying chronic diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney and cardiac diseases, several health experts said to Fox News Digital.

“Alcohol can not only worsen the progression of these chronic diseases, but it can also interact with medications, potentially increasing the risk of liver lesion induced by medications or other unwanted side effects of medications,” said Lee.

“When consumed in the long term, alcohol can make it difficult for the body to absorb food nutrients.”

those who Have diabetes Or prediabetes must take into account their alcohol consumption, Feldman warned, since it can have a direct impact on blood sugar levels.

Alcohol can also affect bone health, which especially affects people with osteoporosis.

According to several studies, prolonged alcohol consumption can interfere with bone growth and bone tissue replacement, which can cause a decrease in bone density and a greater risk of fractures.

5. Drug interactions

It is estimated that 87% of adults 65 years of age or older and more than 90% of those over 75 take prescription medications, according to data from the National Health Interviews 2021-2022.

Combining medications With alcohol he can potentially have adverse health effects, according to Davis from Northwell Health.

According to researchers, the prevalence of insomnia tends to increase with age and alcohol consumption can worsen it. (Istock)

“Alcohol can interact with several medications, which hinders the management and control of certain conditions and causes more side effects,” Digital Fox told Fox.

“Avoiding alcohol as we age can reduce these risks and give rise to greater possibilities of having a better quality of life.”

6. Greater sensitivity to pain.

Chronic pain is one of the most common and potentially weakening. health problems that older adults face, as studies have demonstrated.

Alcohol crosses the blood brain barrier, which influences its depressive and addictive effects.

Alcohol can exacerbate this problem by increasing the sensitivity of an individual to pain, some health experts with Fox News Digital shared.

“Chronic pain is a complex process of signals to our brain that is different from acute pain,” Lee said. “The complicated neuronal signaling of chronic pain can be altered and improved with alcohol intake.”

7. Mental and cognitive effects

Lee explained that alcohol, a well -known depressor, easily crosses the barrier Hematoencephalic barrierwhich influences its depressive and addictive effects.

It has also been discovered that excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of dementia.

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“Alcohol intake can also worsen cognitive deterioration, causing memory problems, in addition to worsening some behavioral problems. Like depression“Davis told Fox News Digital.

8. Greater risk of falling

It is known that the risk of falls increases with age. They are the main cause of injuries to 65 -year -old adults and moreaccording to the centers for disease control and prevention (CDC).

Falls “can cause weakening injuries when we are older,” said Davis, who specializes in emergency medicine.

Earlier this month, Dr. Vivek Murthy, US General Surgeon, issued a warning about the link between alcohol consumption and certain types of cancer. (Istock)

Alcohol deterioration could affect balance and coordination, which would cause a greater probability of falls, the doctor warned.

Tips to trim

Those who care for older adults should address conversations about alcohol consumption focusing on collaboration instead of control, according to Jonathan Davis, executive director of Truralta, a company based in the USA. UU. Which provides education and support for caregivers.

Addressing the issue with empathy and respect will help generate trust and at the same time meet the emotional and physical needs of the elderly, he added.

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“For some older adults, enjoying an alcoholic beverage can provide them with a sense of normality and autonomy,” Davis told Fox News Digital.

Finding the orientation of a medical care provider can help ensure that the person understands potential risks and interactions, he noted.

If a person has alcohol problems, experts recommend talking with a medical care provider that can recommend support and medication systems if necessary. (Istock)

“Together, caregivers and older adults can develop a plan that balances security with Emotional well -being“

Davis also recommended exploring alternatives to alcoholic beverages, such as “alcoholless cocktails,” special drinks or special teas that can provide similar enjoyment without alcohol risks.

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Lee also suggested participating in activities that normally do not involve alcohol.

If a person has alcohol problems, experts recommend talking to a health care provider Who can recommend support and medication systems if necessary.