Aging is a normal part of life; however, many factors influence healthy aging. Some factors are out of our control, while others, such as good habits, allow us to control how we age. One factor that plays a key role in how we age is alcohol.
Like all adults, the elderly should limit alcohol consumption or avoid it if possible. It may come as a surprise, but older individuals are more vulnerable to the consequences of alcohol, as frequent alcohol use or heavy drinking affects every organ in the body, including the brain. A National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism study found that certain brain regions show signs of premature aging in alcohol-dependent men and women. In the elderly population, this ties into memory and cognitive functions. Alcohol dependence in older adults also contributes to poor health in regions such as the liver and heart.
It's important to be aware of your alcohol consumption and the harm it may cause if excessive. There are also guidelines available for reference if you are unsure when to avoid alcohol. When in doubt, reach out to a doctor or trained professional. We make it our goal to set a high standard for assisted living. At BeeHive Homes in New Mexico, we believe that to provide the very best care for our residents, and we must get to know them well and discover what their individual needs are. Our mission is to ensure our residents get the individualized help they need with our assisted living services. BeeHive caregivers will lend a helping hand every step of the way.
