eating healthy diet

Alcoholism in your 70s and Elderly

By Kelly Durhan 14 June, 2023 2 mins read

Alcohol is a social drink, and there are many factors that cause individuals to drink. Adults are allowed to have one drink per day for women, and two for men. These levels of alcohol consumption are not regarded as problematic for cognitive function and health. Excessive drinking is linked to higher mortality and morbidity. If you follow the recommended limits, your chances of dying from an alcohol related disease or condition are less than 1 out 100.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism advises older adults to consume no more than one standard drink a day for women and seven units a week for men. The American Geriatrics Society recommends limiting alcohol consumption to three for heavy drinking occasions. The National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia also released revised guidelines regarding alcohol consumption in 2006.

Drinking alcohol in excess of the guideline limits is dangerous and harmful for your health. The likelihood of developing drinking problems in older people is higher than for those who are younger. Studies have shown that this is true when the adult is at least 55 years old.

Many studies have shown that older people drink in excess of the recommended guidelines. However, only a few studies have explored whether this impacts the individual's health. One study examined data from the General Household Surveys 1992 and 1994. It was found that almost 25% of adults surveyed had consumed more than 7 drinks per week. Another study examined the amount of drinks that men and women 50-65 consumed. The study found that heavy drinking was more common in men than it is in women.

There is also evidence that the more conservative guidelines identify more people with drinking problems. This may be due the more conservative guidelines' greater accuracy and sensitivity. More conservative limits can also lead to more false positives. A person with a history of alcohol abuse has a higher chance of having a late-life drinking problem.

A longitudinal cohort study has supported these findings. Over the twenty-year follow up, both men and women saw similar drops in the number of adults who abstained. However, there was an increase in the proportion of adults who drank beyond the more relaxed guidelines.

Researchers have examined the causes of these changes in drinking behavior. Isolation, loss of occupational or functional skills and mental stress are all factors that can lead to alcohol consumption patterns changing. Others include social or emotional difficulties, physical ill health, and loss of social connections.

The issue of alcohol consumption has been a significant public health problem for many decades. Public health authorities have run campaigns to educate the population about the health effects of alcohol. Research has been focused on reducing the harms caused by alcohol. Understanding the causes behind alcohol abuse is key to reducing its negative effects, especially in elderly people.

FAQ

What should you eat?

Take in lots of fruits and veggies. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and help to strengthen your immune system. Vegetables and fruits are high in fiber which helps to digest and fill you up. Try to include at least five servings of fruit and veg per day.

Drink plenty of water. Water flushes out toxins and helps you feel full between meals. Drink about eight glasses each day.

Refined grains should be replaced with whole grains. Whole grains have all their nutrients intact, including B vitamins, iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium, and protein. Refined grains lack some nutrition.

Avoid sugary drinks. Sugary drinks are loaded with empty calories and contribute to obesity. Instead, drink water, milk, or unsweetened Tea.

Avoid fast food. Fast food has very little nutritional value. Although it may taste delicious, fast food won't provide you with the energy you need for your daily activities. Stick to healthier options such as salads, soups, sandwiches, and pasta dishes.

Limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol is a poor nutrient and has empty calories. Limit yourself to no more than two alcoholic beverages a week.

Try to cut down on red meat. Red meats are high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Instead, choose lean cuts of beef and pork, lamb, chicken or fish.

How often should you exercise?

It is important to exercise for a healthy lifestyle. You don't have to exercise for a certain amount of time. It is important to find something you enjoy, and then stick with it.

If you exercise three times a week then aim for 20-30 mins of moderate intensity. Moderate intensity is when you still have to breathe hard after the workout. This type of exercise burns approximately 300 calories.

For those who prefer to walk, you can go for 10-minute walks four times a week. Walking is low in impact and easy for your joints.

Jogging for 15 minutes three days a week is a good option if you prefer to run. Running is an excellent way to lose weight and tone your muscles.

Begin slowly if your are new to exercising. You can start with only 5 minutes per week of cardio. Gradually increase duration until you achieve your goal.

Which 10 foods are your favorite?

These are the top 10 foods to eat.

Avocados
Berries
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Eggs
Fish
Grains
Nuts
Oats
Salmon

What is the best food for me?

Your lifestyle and individual needs will determine the best diet for your body. It is also important to think about how much energy you use during exercise and whether you like low-calorie foods.

Intermittent fasting is a good option if you're trying to lose weight. Intermittent Fasting means that you eat only one meal per day and not three. You might find this way to be more beneficial than traditional diets, which have daily calorie counts.

Intermittent fasting has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation and lower the risk of developing diabetes. Research suggests that intermittent fasting can promote fat loss and improve overall body composition.

What's the problem with BMI?

BMI stands for Body Mass Index, which is a measurement of body fat based on height and weight. BMI is calculated using the following formula:

Weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared.

The result can be expressed as a number, ranging from 0 through 25. A score of 18.5 or higher indicates overweight, while a score of 23 or higher indicates obesity.

A person who is 100kg and 1.75m tall will have a 22 BMI.

What are the 7 best tips for a healthy and happy life?

Take care of your health
Exercise regularly
Sleep well
Drink plenty of fluids.
Get adequate sleep
Happy!
Smile often

Statistics

According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, we should strive for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity each week (54Trusted Source Smoking, harmful use of drugs, and alcohol abuse can all seriously negatively affect your health. (healthline.com)
WHO recommends reducing saturated fats to less than 10% of total energy intake; reducing trans-fats to less than 1% of total energy intake; and replacing both saturated fats and trans-fats to unsaturated fats. (who.int)
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend keeping added sugar intake below 10% of your daily calorie intake, while the World Health Organization recommends slashing added sugars to 5% or less of your daily calories for optimal health (59Trusted (healthline.com)
WHO recommends consuming less than 5% of total energy intake for additional health benefits. (who.int)