The Problem for Those Over 65 Years

“There’s a whole different set” of health risk factors for older drinkers, said Paul Sacco, a professor of social work at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, who studies substance abuse and aging. People might not realize that the drinks they used to tolerate well are now affecting their brains and bodies in different ways, he said.

Alcohol can present new problems in older age — particularly at 65 and up — for even light or occasional drinkers. Older adults tend to have less muscle mass and retain less water in their tissues compared with younger people, which can increase blood alcohol concentration, said Aaron White, a senior advisor at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. This means it takes fewer drinks for older people to feel intoxicated, and heightens the risk of severe injury from falls.

In the New York Times article, Dr. Nixon’s research has determined that older people also show deficits in working memory at lower blood alcohol concentrations than younger drinkers. In another study Dr. Nixon worked on, some older adults in driving simulations showed signs of impairment after less than one drink.

Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of developing chronic conditions like dementia, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, and heart disease. But it can also worsen outcomes for the majority of older adults already living with chronic disease, said Aryn Phillips, an assistant professor of health policy and administration at the University of Illinois, Chicago, who studies alcohol and aging.

The Difficulties of Living Alone 

As we age, there is a likelihood that, because of the loss of a spouse or partner, living alone can lead to an increase in alcohol intake. While understandable, the dangers pointed out above should be taken seriously; there are alternatives.

A 2023 federal survey found that 12 percent of adults 65 and older — approximately seven million people — reported consuming at least four or five drinks in a single sitting in the previous month. After decades of mixed messaging around alcohol’s health harms and benefits, recent studies have made it clear that no amount of alcohol is good for you!

What are the Alternatives for those Living Alone? 

“Loneliness causes people to feel empty, alone, and unwanted,” says Kendra Cherry, a Master of Science in Education, Author, Psychosocial Rehabilitation Specialist, and Educator. Loneliness is a scourge among older people, with more than a fifth claiming always to feel lonely. A recent study has shown that men are particularly at risk².

1. Volunteering

The social benefits of volunteering are manifold. By participating in volunteer activities, individuals can foster meaningful connections, enhance their communities, and improve the quality of life for those around them. Some of the key benefits of volunteering include:

• Enhanced social connections: Volunteering helps people forge new friendships and expand their social networks. This can be especially valuable for those looking to meet new people in a new city.
• Increased community engagement: Volunteers become more aware of the needs of their community and can work together to address issues and create positive change.
• Improved mental health: Engaging in volunteer activities can lead to a sense of purpose and belonging, which can have a positive impact on mental health and overall well-being.

2. Strengthen Relationships and Connections.

The US Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, urges everyone to work together to overcome the stigma of loneliness. “Each of us can start now, in our own lives, by strengthening our connections and relationships.” He suggests:

• Answer that phone call from a friend.
• Make time to share a meal.
• Listen without distraction from your phone.
• Perform an act of service.
• Express yourself authentically.

He believes individual relationships are an untapped resource that can help “us live healthier, more productive, and more fulfilled lives.”

This will help to reduce the reliance on alcohol as a solution. “The keys to human-to-human connection are simple but extraordinarily powerful.” The full 82-page report can be viewed at this link:

https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf

And, don’t forget to make a phone call to a friend or family member.  Don’t wait for them to call you, but be the first to reach out to them occasionally.  The timing can vary, but while it might be once a month or even once every three or four months, remember that it can make all the difference in a person’s life. We might label it “a call to action.” Don’t hesitate to pick up the phone. Calls can be short, but they are greatly appreciated and make a massive difference in helping people feel more fulfilled and happy with their lives.

What is a safe Level of Alcohol Intake?

What is a “safe” amount of drinking for the older set? That’s difficult to say, it seems. The available studies attempting to establish precisely how much alcohol it takes to drive up health risks in older populations use different benchmarks for moderate drinking, making it tricky to draw a consensus. “Even as an expert in this field, I understand the confusion,” Dr. Wheeler said.

Dr. Nixon advised that adults 65 and older should consume no more than one drink per day and no more than seven per week. (The N.I.A.A.A. does not establish guidelines around alcohol consumption, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines moderate drinking for adults of all ages as two drinks or less per day for men, and one drink or less per day for women.)

All the experts emphasized that older people should pay close attention to their bodies’ response to alcohol and stop drinking or cut back if they feel like it’s affecting them more physically or cognitively.

“The answer doesn’t have to be abstinence,” Dr. Nixon said. But healthy aging “probably does not include multiple drinks a day for most people.”

Engage Estero strives to help everyone enjoy a long and healthy retirement. We encourage you to stay mindful of how alcohol affects older bodies. Why not consider volunteering for our local organization? Helping us would benefit both you and our community.

References

1. How the Risks of Drinking Increase in Older Age, The New York Times, July 3^rd, 2025 https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/03/well/alcohol-older-age-risks.html?smid=em-share
2. Loneliness and social isolation are problematic! Is it time to seek support from family and friends? Mike Wasson Engage Estero. March 2024 https://esterotoday.com/loneliness/

Disclaimer

Engage Estero provides information as a service to our readers and is not intending to provide individual medical advice. Always consult with medical professionals or emergency services before changing or initiating medical treatment..