Drinking Alcohol After This Age Linked to Early Death: The Hearty Soul
If you are regularly consuming alcohol over the age of 60, a recent study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that you may be at a higher risk of premature death. This study challenges the previous notion that moderate alcohol consumption is safe for older adults.
The Study on Drinking Alcohol After 60
In this study, Spanish researchers analyzed health data from more than 135,000 individuals aged 60 and above in the UK. Participants provided their health information to the UK Biobank database, with an average age of 64 at the study’s onset. The researchers followed their health outcomes over time by linking their data to national death registries.
The Variables of the Study
Participants were categorized based on their alcohol consumption patterns, with the study encompassing occasional, low-risk, moderate-risk, and high-risk drinkers. They were also evaluated for their vulnerability to health issues using a frailty index and their socioeconomic risk using the Townsend Deprivation Index.
Results of the Study
The study found that high-risk drinkers had a 33% higher risk of early death compared to occasional drinkers. High-risk drinking was also associated with a 39% increased risk of cancer-related death and a 21% higher risk of death from heart and blood vessel issues.
Additional Findings
Moderate alcohol consumption was linked to a higher risk of early death and cancer development, with even one drink per day showing an 11% increased cancer death risk. Low and moderate drinkers with existing health issues or living in deprived areas were especially vulnerable.
Changing Attitudes About Drinking Alcohol
Recent public opinion has shifted towards viewing even moderate alcohol consumption as harmful, signaling a change in attitudes towards alcohol. The study serves as a reminder of the risks associated with alcohol consumption, especially as individuals age.
The Bottom Line
While drinking wine or having alcohol with meals may pose lower risks, further research is needed to confirm this. The study highlights the potential dangers of alcohol consumption in older individuals and emphasizes the importance of reevaluating drinking habits as we age.
