The Impact of Alcohol Consumption on Older Adults and How Caregivers Can Help

By Julie HayesMay 21, 2024

In many cultures, alcohol consumption is so engrained in social rituals that not drinking seems much stranger to people than frequently drinking. However, alcohol is never without its risks, and this is especially true for older people. Older adults are much more vulnerable to the adverse effects of alcohol than younger people due to age-related changes to their bodies, medication interactions and other health conditions. And though reckless drinking is an issue most people associate with younger people, older adults, especially those in the 55-64 range, are more at risk of alcohol-induced deaths than any other age category, according to data from the CDC. 

While drinking in moderation may not be harmful for some older adults, excessive or frequent drinking can lead to various health complications. Family members, friends and caregivers often play a crucial role in ensuring their loved ones maintain a healthy relationship with alcohol, so it’s important to recognize how your loved one may be affected, and what you can do to help.

Health Impacts of Alcohol in Older Adults

Here are just a few examples of ways alcohol can affect an older adult’s health:

  • Liver Damage: Over time, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver damage or liver disease. Even those who have cut down on alcohol may still feel the impact of their drinking decisions from when they were younger. For those who continue to drink excessively into their older years, they will likely experience a decrease in their liver’s ability to break down alcohol, putting them at even greater risk.
  • Increased Risk of Falls and Accidents: Alcohol can impair balance, coordination and reaction time, which can lead to falls and other accidents. Older people tend to be less physically resilient, so a fall can potentially result in serious injuries, such as fractures or head trauma. It’s also important to remember that if your loved one drives, even what seems like ‘light’ drinking can have a serious impact on their ability to manage a car, especially if they’re taking medication. 
  • Chronic Conditions: Alcohol can contribute both to the development of chronic conditions and the worsening of preexisting conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. It can also interfere with the effectiveness of medications used to treat these conditions.
  • Cognitive Impairment: Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to cognitive decline and increase the risk of developing dementia.
  • Malnutrition:  Many are unaware that alcohol can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients. Older adults are already more likely than other age groups to experience decreased appetite and poor nutrient intake, and are at a much higher risk of malnutrition issues due to alcohol consumption.

Maintaining Healthy Alcohol Intake

Though alcohol has its risks, it is not always necessary to eliminate it completely from a loved one’s life. If your loved one doesn’t have a history of alcoholism and is able to control the amount they drink, it is generally fine for them to continue to drink in moderation. Moderate alcohol consumption is generally defined as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. However, you should always check with your loved one’s doctor first to see if your loved one is healthy enough to drink. If your loved one drives, they should avoid alcohol consumption on occasions when they are planning to use their car, especially if they take medication that may interact negatively with alcohol.

Here are some ways caregivers can help their loved ones maintain a healthy relationship with alcohol:

  • Communicate: If you have any concerns, express them with your loved one, other family members and your loved one’s care team. Be aware that if your loved one has a history of alcoholism, these conversations may be particularly difficult, and may require the support or intervention of a professional.
  • Monitor Medication Interactions: Some medications interact with alcohol negatively. Review all medications with a healthcare professional to understand any potential interactions.
  • Offer alternatives: If your loved one is struggling to cut back, try looking into similar tasting nonalcoholic alternatives to their favorite drink. 
  • Address underlying issues that lead to alcohol consumption: Many people have a reason they turn to alcohol, such as depression, boredom, anxiety or even the need to fit in at social settings. Finding a solution to these root causes may help your loved one cut back. In the case of social settings, it might not hurt to have a word with your loved one’s circle to make sure no one is pressuring them to drink. 
  • Seek Professional Help: If you suspect that your loved one has an alcohol use disorder, encourage them to seek professional support. Therapy, counseling or support groups can be beneficial in treating and managing alcohol-related issues.