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Aging Health news from the Colorado Gerontological Society According to the American Medical Association, alcoholism (a treatable disease influenced by many factors) is a hidden epidemic among the elderly. Older adults are susceptible to alcoholism simply because of age associated changes in body chemistry and composition. And a recent study has documented a significant rise in drinking problems at retirement. The AMA estimates that about 3 million Americans over age 60 have a drinking problem. Statistics show that at least 10% of patients who go to an emergency room with an alcohol related problem are over age 60. Alcohol is also a factor in up to half of all hospitalizations. But if the patient is older, doctors overlook drinking as an underlying cause of illness in about two thirds of the cases. Older adults need to be aware that aging affects alcohol tolerance. For example, older adults usually have a lower body-water content than younger people, and this makes a given amount of alcohol more concentrated. As a result, older adults become intoxicated after fewer drinks, and their organs and body tissues can be damaged by smaller quantities of alcohol. Also, alcohol is an addictive effect with about half of the 100 drugs frequently used by older adults. Some of the many consequences of excessive drinking in older adults include: nutritional deficiencies seen at very low levels of consumption, because alcohol inhibits the absorption of many nutrients, and the high incidence of liver disease, cancer and cardiovascular problems (including stroke) caused by years of excessive drinking. The AMA recently released guidelines to help physicians diagnose and treat drinking related problems among older patients that are so easily overlooked during visits to doctor's office. Excerpted from "Health After 50" |
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| Senior Answers and Services and Colorado Gerontological Society are not for profit organizations dedicated to education and the dissemination of information pertinent to seniors and professionals in the field of aging. Correspondence or questions regarding the information on this site should be forwarded to: |
Eileen Doherty M.S., Executive Director |
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