Alcohol consumption in the elderly is a particular problem

BZgA warns of risks from alcohol consumption in old age
Not only among adolescents and young adults is a problematic use of alcohol relatively widespread. Even in older adults, many people show a risky alcohol consumption behavior, according to the latest release from the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA). "Estimates assume that 15 percent of people over the age of 60 drink alcohol at risk, thereby jeopardizing their health in many ways," reports the BZgA.

According to the BZgA, around 14,000 people over the age of 60 years had to be treated in hospital due to acute alcohol poisoning in 2015. In view of the high number of those affected, the Federal Center has introduced a new section "For Older People" on the website of the alcohol prevention campaign www.kenn-dein-limit.de, which informs about the responsible use of alcohol in old age. The BZgA here also expressly points out that alcohol is poorly degraded in old age and therefore can be particularly harmful.

Many older people show a risky alcohol consumption, which is associated with particular health hazards, as the body degrades the alcohol in old age worse. (Image: Syda Productions / fotolia.com)

Older people are unaware of the increased risk
"Many older people are unaware that alcohol has a stronger effect on them than they do in younger adulthood". Heidrun Thaiss, Head of the BZgA. One of the reasons for this is "that in older people the alcohol in the liver is broken down more slowly and the fluid balance in old age also changes." It is also important to point out that taking medication requires special care when dealing with alcohol. "Here therefore applies: In case of doubt, the conversation with the attending physician or the doctor," said Thaiss.

Numerous health risks from alcohol consumption in old age
Among the risks of alcohol consumption, which increase with age, is the risk of cancer as well as an increased risk of liver disease in case of risky alcohol consumption. Especially for oral, pharyngeal and esophageal cancer, the risk is increased by excessive alcohol consumption, reports the BZgA. Also, according to the Central Alliance cardiovascular diseases such as cardiac arrhythmias and high blood pressure can be the consequences. For this reason, people below the age of 65 are advised to lower their risk-free drinking habits. Per day, a maximum of ten grams of pure alcohol, so a small glass of wine (0.1 l) or a small glass of beer (0.25 l) allowed. However, at least two days of alcohol abstinence should be met during the week, reports the BZgA, referring to the recommendation of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)..

Causes of abusive alcohol consumption in old age
For example, BZgA mentions the changed living conditions in old age as possible causes of a riskier use of alcohol in old age. The entry into the retirement age is a difficult time for some people, according to the Federal Central Office. Here are many affected by increased phases with depressive moods. The result is often an abusive alcohol consumption, which ultimately leads to addiction. The special section for older people on the Internet portal www.kenn-dein-limit.de also provides information on the warning signs and how older people can prevent this development. (Fp)