Q I have a concern about my 75-year-old mother. Since my father died two years ago, my mother is drinking a lot more wine than usual. It begins early afternoon with a few glasses, then a few more glasses at dinner and then the final glass of wine she takes to bed with her, indicating it helps her sleep. She keeps a plastic container of white wine in the refrigerator and pours it like orange juice. I know she misses my father daily. Any suggestions what to do?
— D.H.
A The concern you raised reflects a growing trend among older adults. Let’s begin by taking the following true or false quiz to get a sense of what we know about alcohol use and the older population. You will not be graded!
1. Alcohol disorder among older adults has slightly increased over the years.
False. It has dramatically increased among Americans 65 or older. One epidemiological survey found that between 2001 and 2013, the rate of alcohol use disorder increased 107%
2. Binge drinking rarely occurs among older adults.
False. Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicates that approximately 20% of adults 60-64 and around 10% over 65 report current binge drinking. Binge drinking is defined as consuming five or more alcoholic beverages on one occasion.
3. Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition.
True. It is defined as the “impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational or health consequences.” Considered a brain disorder, it can be mild, moderate or severe.
4. The amount of alcohol recommended to promote health and prevent disease is two drinks a day or less for men and one drink a day or less for women.
True. These are the guidelines developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. They have determined what the average American should eat and drink to promote health and help prevent chronic disease.
5. It’s easy to define one drink: It’s just one drink.
False. The definition is rather specific, depending on what you drink. One drink is equivalent to the following:
• 12 ounces of regular beer (5% alcohol by volume)
• 8 or 9 ounces of malt liquor (12%)
• 5 ounces of table wine (12%)
• 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits — gin, rum, tequila, vodka, whiskey, etc. (40%)
6. Genetics increase the risk of alcohol use disorder.
True. Genetics account for approximately 60% of the urge to overuse alcohol. The risk is influenced by the interaction of a person’s genes and their environment.
7. People who drink daily have an alcohol use disorder.
False. “People who drink daily do not necessarily have alcohol use disorder. And not all who have an alcohol use disorder drink every day. But heavy drinking, even occasionally, can have harmful effects,” according to the National Institute on Aging.
8. For strong and fit adults, an alcohol disorder has minor consequences.
False. Drinking too much for anyone over a long period can lead to some types of cancer and damage to the liver and brain. It makes osteoporosis, diabetes, high blood pressure and mood disorders worse.
9. Alcohol use disorder causes about 20% of fatal falls in the U.S.
False. It causes far more — 65%. For older adults in particular, too much alcohol can lead to poor balance and falling. Since older adults tend to have weaker bones than younger adults, falls can result in hip and arm fractures.
10. Older adults are more sensitive to alcohol than younger adults.
True. Older adults typically metabolize alcohol more slowly. We know that lean body mass declines with age, which means there is less muscle to absorb the alcohol. Older adults feel the effects of alcohol more quickly, even when consuming less than when they were younger.
Now, what to do? Consider having a conversation with your mother about her sadness and grief in missing your father and recommend a support group or meeting with a counselor. You might express your concern about the health implications of her drinking and suggest she see her doctor for a checkup.
Some websites that might be helpful:
• To evaluate your mother’s relationship to alcohol, Google “Rethinking Drinking” and click on “See signs of a problem.”
• Check out Seniors for Sobriety, a subgroup of Alcoholics Anonymous that holds virtual meetings. lacoaa.org/meeting-details.php?id=925. Note: LACOAA stands for the Los Angeles Central Office of Alcoholics Anonymous.
• Finally, see Alcoholics Anonymous to find a meeting near your mother’s location. aa.org/find-aa
Thank you, D.H., for your question. Your mother is fortunate to have a caring daughter. Stay well and know kindness is everything.
Helen Dennis is a nationally recognized leader on issues of aging and the new retirement, with academic, corporate and nonprofit experience. Contact Helen with your questions and comments at Helendenn@gmail.com. Visit Helen at HelenMdennis.com and follow her on facebook.com/SuccessfulAgingCommunity.