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Study finds drinking may be harmful for older adults, even at low levels 

15th August 2024

Alcohol has often been celebrated as a social lubricant, a glass of wine after dinner, or a cold beer with friends. For years, people believed that a little bit of alcohol might even be good for them, especially for older adults. But hold on to your wine glasses, because a new study suggests that even light drinking could be more harmful than helpful for seniors.

In fact, the idea that a glass of wine a day keeps the doctor away may just be a fairy tale. Researchers are warning that alcohol, even in small amounts, could actually be contributing to a host of health issues for older folks. And if you thought this was just another case of medical flip-flopping, think again—there’s a lot more to the story.

Not-So-Happy Hour

According to a study published in the journal JAMA Network Open, researchers took a hard look at the drinking habits of more than 135,000 adults aged 60 and older. The findings? Not as rosy as a glass of rosé. It turns out that moderate drinking doesn’t have the health benefits that many once believed. Instead, it could be linked to increased risks of cancer, heart disease, and even death.

For decades, people have clung to the idea that alcohol, particularly wine, was good for the heart. But this study suggests that alcohol may be more dangerous than beneficial, even when consumed in small quantities. In fact, people who drank just a little bit more than the occasional drink were found to have a higher risk of dying from all causes.

Death in a Bottle

So, what exactly does "moderate" drinking mean? For this study, moderate drinking was defined as 10 to 20 grams of alcohol a day for women and 20 to 40 grams for men. To put that in perspective, a standard drink in the United States contains about 14 grams of alcohol. But here’s the kicker: Even people who fell into the “low-risk” category were still about 10% more likely to die of cancer than those who drank only occasionally.

If you’re wondering what’s behind these numbers, it’s not just the alcohol. Researchers believe that alcohol is a carcinogen, which means it can cause cancer. And it’s not just a little bit dangerous—it’s linked to about 50 different types of deaths. Suddenly, that nightly glass of wine doesn’t seem so innocent.

Wine with Dinner Isn’t a Get-Out-of-Jail-Free Card

Here’s where things get interesting. The study found that people who primarily drank wine or only drank with meals had slightly lower risks of cancer and death compared to those who drank in other situations. Does this mean that drinking wine with dinner is safer? Not exactly.

The researchers believe that it’s not the wine itself that’s causing the lower risks, but rather other factors that may be associated with the behavior. For example, people who drink wine with meals might also be more likely to practice moderation in other areas of their lives, such as eating a balanced diet or staying physically active. In other words, it’s not the wine doing the work—it’s the healthy habits.

The Rise of Sober Curiosity

As more people become aware of the potential dangers of alcohol, a growing number of younger adults are choosing to abstain altogether. Non-alcoholic bars, sober dance parties, and alcohol-free social events are becoming increasingly popular, especially in cities like New York. The sober curious movement is redefining what it means to have fun without alcohol, and it’s catching on fast.

For older adults, however, the shift away from alcohol may be a bit harder. Many grew up in a time when drinking was considered a normal part of socializing, and it can be difficult to change those habits. But with studies like this one shining a light on the potential risks, it might be time for a new approach to happy hour.