Drinking Can Become A Serious Problem For Seniors

Drinking can sometimes become a serious problem for senior citizens. Whether it’s their struggle with chronic diseases, the loss of their spouse, or moving to a new community, drowning their tears in liquor is going to make their situation worse.

These kinds of changes can cause loneliness, boredom, anxiety, or depression. In fact, depression in older adults often goes along with drinking too much.

Drinking: Guidelines From The NIA

The National Institute On Aging (NIA), has come out with drinking statistics as well as suggestions on how to wean your beloved senior citizen family member off liquor

First, let’s look at the statistics: One drink is equal to one of the following:

• One 12-ounce can or bottle of regular beer, ale, or wine cooler
• One 8- or 9-ounce can or bottle of malt liquor
• A 5-ounce glass of red or white wine
• The 1.5-ounce shot glass of distilled spirits like gin, rum, tequila, vodka, or whiskey can have an alcohol content up to 80%. That is very powerful.

The sizes mentioned above are standard measures. Of course, alcohol intake will increase if the person has more than one shot or uses a larger glass.It is helpful to understand the “standard” drink sizes in order to follow health guidelines. In addition, drinks within the same beverage category, such as beer, can contain different percentages of alcohol.

It’s important to realize that not everyone who drinks daily has a drinking problem. And, not all problem drinkers have to drink every day. You might want to get help if you, or a loved one, hides or lies about drinking, has more than seven drinks a week or more than two drinks in one day, or gets hurt or harms others when drinking.

There May Be Reasons to Stop

There may be many reasons to stop drinking. Check off any reasons that sound true for the aged member in your family.

It’s important to quit drinking because:

• Keep the high blood sugar (diabetes) under control.
• Lower the blood pressure.
• Keep your liver working and healthy.
• Don’t drink and drive.
• Seniors are susceptible to falling and breaking their bones.
• Enjoy life.
• Don’t embarrass yourself _______________________________________

There is no question that convincing your loved one to cut down on their alcohol intake is going to be hard work. But, you need to do it for their sake. Their health and quality of life depends on it.

Enlist the help of their doctor and you can also contact the NIA for assistance. Their toll-free number is: 800-222-2225.