“Alcohol Abuse Is Rising Among Older Adults”

According to the New York Times, alcohol abuse is rising among older adults.  This finding came from a national survey taken in 2001 and 2002 then again in 2012 and 2013.  Adults over 65 remained less likely to drink than younger people but there was still a 22 percent increase over the two periods.  This was the biggest rise in any age group. The definition used to describe alcohol abuse in this study was for men, consuming five or more drinks in a day, each containing 14 grams of alcohol.  And for women four drinks in a day.  This is all on a weekly basis during the past year.

It was found that alcohol abuse in older adults more than doubled in a decade.it is speculated that the reason for the hike is due to the recession that happened. It is also speculated that the demographic differences has played a role in this hike.  Adults in their 60’s and 70’s are said to be less frail than in previous generations so they feel that they can continue their drinking habits that they had when they were younger.  They are more exposed to drugs and alcohol and are a lot less disapproving to the use of them.   Dr. David Oslin said, “It’s a lot more acceptable, we no longer have those folks who grew up with Prohibition, with abstinence as a value.”

Although older people today are a lot less frail and healthier than those of the past,  they are still prone to late life changes in health that make drinking riskier for them.  Alcohol can cause many common chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.  There is also a high risk of stroke and several kinds of cancer as a result of alcohol abuse.  Alcohol can also interfere with the medication being taken by older adults as a result of these conditions and more.  Since the medications stays in the system for 24 hours, it is not ok to have a drink at dinner or any time of day for that matter.  This can make the medication less effective or worse, dangerous.  Primary care physicians have to pay attention.  Although all adults should be screened for alcohol misuse, it is feared that it is not being done.

Work Cited

Span, Paula.“Alcohol Abuse Is Rising Among Older Adults.” The New York times. Sep 14, 2017 Web. Sep 15, 2017