Older adults and alcohol

Older adults may be more impacted by alcohol than younger people. As you age your body processes alcohol more slowly and you may become more sensitive to the effects of alcohol. Increased sensitivity to alcohol means that you are also at a greater risk of experiencing negative impacts of alcohol:^1,2

• Worsening of chronic health issues like diabetes, blood pressure problems, heart disease, liver damage, and stomach problems.
• Worsening mental health and cognitive problems such as depression, confusion, and memory loss.
• Increased risk of developing several different types of cancer.
• Loss of muscle and strength as well as loss of balance and coordination, leading to an increased risk of falls and injuries like broken bones.
• Many medications should not be taken with alcohol. If you have questions about how alcohol might interact with your medications talk with your doctor or health care provider. Interactions with certain medications can lead to an increased risk of falls, injuries, and confusion.

1. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. (n.d.). Alcohol use in older adults. https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/guides-and-publications/alcohol-use-in-older-adults
2. Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health (CCSMH). (2023). Alcohol & aging: Rethink how you drink. https://ccsmh.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/WEB-CCSMH-Alcohol-Use-Brochure-Eng.pdf

---

This item was last modified on September 19, 2024