What are the risks of senior alcohol abuse?
As people age they lose the ability to effectively metabolize consumed alcohol, and they are far more affected by limited consumption. A few drinks in an older person can have serious effects, both intoxicating, and physically destructive. Seniors lose the ability to regenerate cells damaged by alcohol, and their internal organs, systems and mind are more prone to the detrimental effects of chronic alcohol consumption. They are more likely to experience cognitive impairments, liver and heart damage and a general lack of health and wellbeing. They are also increasingly susceptible to accompanying psychiatric conditions such as depression or anxiety. The risks of intoxication also include a lack of coordination, the risks of a fall, and possibly the risks of broken bones or other injuries that may reduce mobility and lessen quality of life. Because older adults tend to take more prescription medications, the risks for negative drug interactions increase, and with interactions comes a gre
