Elderly
As the average age of our population increases, the alcohol abuse by the elderly has become one of the nation’s faster growing health concerns. Frequently family members as well as medical professionals overlook the symptoms of alcohol abuse in the elderly or mistake them for other age related conditions. At the same time, the elderly may hide the full extent of their drinking.
Elderly drinkers consume alcohol for different reasons. In some it is a continuation of alcohol problems from earlier in life. For others, changes in lifestyle is a contributing factor. Social isolation, the death of a spouse, response to illness, pain and emotional or physical distress is often behind an increase in elderly alcohol consumption.
Drinking Consequences for the Elderly
- Greater risk of losing balance and falling while standing or walking. These health risks have a greater probability of requiring hospitalization in the elderly.
- Increased chances of taking the wrong medication, missing a dose or self-administering incorrect dosages.
- Alcohol interaction with other medications can reduce or exaggerate the effectiveness of certain medications.
- Alcohol in combination with slower reflexes and poorer vision increases the risks associated with driving under the influence.
- For chronic drinkers whose alcohol abuse persists into their senior years, lifespan can be shortened. Some estimates are as much as ten to fifteen years.
The good news is that the elderly can benefit from treatment as much as younger alcohol abusers.
Breath alcohol testing of the elderly, with a professional quality unit such as LifeGuard, is one way for relatives and the medical profession to distinguish between the effects of alcohol abuse and other age or illness related issues.
Links
In the News
Excessive Alcohol Consumption Among Elderly - Read more
Senior Class, Alcohol Lures the Old - Read more
Answering the Needs of Elderly Alcoholics - Read more