Why drinking less alcohol is better as you get older (and why it's harder to quit)
As people age, the discomforts increase. Health and well-being become increasingly important. While many older people appreciate the benefits of a glass of wine or a beer, excessive alcohol consumption can have a negative impact on our health, especially as we get older. In this blog, we discuss why it is important to reduce your alcohol consumption as you get older, and why this can be more difficult at the same time.
The Health Risks of Alcohol in Later Life
Alcohol consumption always carries a risk, but as you get older, the negative effects increase. This is due to several factors:
Reduced liver function
As we age, the functioning of our organs, including the liver, slows down. The liver breaks down alcohol, but as we get older, this process slows down. This means that alcohol stays in our system longer, which increases the risk of liver disease.
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
While moderate alcohol consumption is sometimes associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, excessive consumption significantly increases the risk. This is due to increased blood pressure and cholesterol levels, both risk factors for heart attacks and strokes.
Increased risk of cancer
It is well known that alcohol is a risk factor for several types of cancer, including oral, throat and breast cancer. After years of regular drinking, this risk increases.
Mental health
Alcohol can have a negative effect on mental health, especially as we age. It can worsen existing depression and anxiety disorders and even contribute to cognitive decline, such as memory loss and dementia.
The temptation of more leisure and social drinking
Although it makes sense to drink less to protect your health, in practice it often proves difficult. There are several reasons why reducing alcohol consumption can become more difficult as you get older. For example, you have more free time when you retire and/or when your children have left home. This time is often filled with social activities, such as dinners or drinks. This can lead to an increase in alcohol consumption.
In addition, there is the social pressure to drink alcohol. Alcohol plays a central role in many social circles. Whether it is a birthday, a dinner with friends or a holiday, alcohol is often a regular part. Refusing a drink can sometimes be seen as unsociable or inappropriate.
And finally, there is the habituation (addiction?). After decades of regular drinking, alcohol can become a regular part of your daily routine. This makes it difficult to cut down, because your body and mind are used to a certain amount of alcohol. This can even lead to a physical or psychological dependence, which makes it harder to stop.
Strategies to reduce your alcohol consumption
And after all these problems, we will of course also help you with the solution. Reduce or even stop drinking alcohol. Fortunately, there are strategies that can help you reduce your alcohol consumption, even, or especially, when you are older:
Set clear goals
Start by setting achievable goals, such as limiting your alcohol consumption to a certain number of drinks per week or only drinking on special occasions. And of course, this includes quitting for a fixed period of time, such as Dry January (or any other month or period).
Find alternatives
Try to find new activities or hobbies that don't require alcohol, like walking, yoga. Or exploring alcohol-free or low-alcohol beverages like ONP5 beers.
Share it
Share your plans to drink less with friends and family or on social media. Your environment can support you and real friends will not pressure you to drink if they know what your goals are.
Be aware of triggers
Identify the situations in which you are inclined to drink and think in advance about how you want to deal with them. This can help you resist temptations.
Seek (professional) help if necessary
If you find it difficult to cut down or stop, don't hesitate to seek professional help. There are many resources and programs available to help people reduce their alcohol consumption, for example Alcoholics Anonymous (UK).
So…
Reducing alcohol consumption as you age is crucial to maintaining good health. While it can be tempting to drink more due to extra free time and social pressures, it’s important to keep the health risks in mind. With the right strategies and support, it’s possible to reduce your alcohol consumption and enjoy a healthier, happier life in later life. And a non-alcoholic beer is always welcome 😁
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