SPRINGER: Fitness: Alcohol abuse in seniors

Alcohol is a major part of most social events. Many people will also enjoy a beverage after a long day of work or with a pleasant meal. However, alcohol is also a substance that can easily be abused.

In fact, the group of individuals that seems to be rising in alcohol abuse is senior citizens.

According to Bottom Line Health, senior drinking is a "hidden epidemic because its symptoms often mimic or are masked by common physical and mental infirmities of aging."

Doctors seldom asked their patients about drinking habits and relatives are often in denial about the extent and effects of their drinking. The hallmarks of excessive drinking like missing work or being noticeably intoxicated might be missed in retirees.

Traditionally, problem drinking is less common among older adults. However, the population is aging and with that comes the increased consumption. Excess drinking can aggravate ailments associated with aging or cause dangerous interactions with medicines.

An older person might never have had a problem with drinking but certain factors can trigger abuse.

Retirement may result in a loss of daily structure, self-esteem and income. An increase in loneliness and boredom might also play a part in alcohol consumption. Other losses, such as a spouse or friends, as well as, the loss of mobility and independence might prompt an older person to turn to alcohol.

The effects of alcohol on the body change as we age.

A person drinking at the age of 65 or beyond is not the same as the one that drank at the age of 45. The effects can be greatly exaggerated in an older person.

As people age, they lose lean body mass and acquire a greater percentage of body fat. This results in a decrease in body water. Since alcohol is soluble in water, not fat, a given amount of alcohol reaches higher concentrations in the blood of an older person.

Mixing alcohol with prescription drugs can be a dangerous combination.

Among the common drugs that can interact badly with alcohol are acetaminophen, antidepressants, aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like sleeping aids. These dangerous combinations pose a threat for people of all ages but might be more deadly among people of advanced age.

Plus, certain ailments common among older people can be worsened by alcohol.

Contradicting studies have been published recently showing that alcohol in the diet can have beneficial attributes. Drinking moderately has been found to diminish the risk for heart disease and possibly stroke, probably by raising blood levels of protective HDL cholesterol. Moderate consumption has also been linked to a reduced risk for dementia in people older than 55.

For younger adults, moderate is defined as no more than two drinks a day for men and no more than one drink a day for women. But for healthy men and women older than 65, the new definition of moderate is no more than one drink a day. Some experts suggest that older women would be wise to cut that amount in half.

Alcohol, like fats and sugars, can be abused. The key to health and longevity is to practice moderation. An occasional splurge is normal but anything in excess on a regular basis is abuse.

Kim Springer and her husband, Mike, are Certified Personal Trainers and owners of Springer Training. They can be reached at 233-9442 or at their Web site www.springertraining.com.


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