Dangers Of Binge Drinking During Old Age
The Dangers of Binge Drinking Revealed by Nursing Homes in Melbourne
For the majority of people, binge drinking calls to mind picture of teenagers and young people overdoing it on a night out, but recent research has suggested it is becoming an issue for elderly individuals too.
Unlike their young peers, the majority of elderly drinkers aren’t drinking to excess in search of a party experience, but are instead accidentally consuming more alcohol than is good for them.
Reasons found for binge drinking in old age include using alcohol to combat loneliness, as a way to fill the hours after retirement, or as a crutch to deal with the loss of a loved one.
A recent study run by Peninsula Health in Melbourne found that of the 100 seniors taking part in the programme, more than 10% were at risk of suffering alcohol-related health problems and two-thirds drank at harmful levels.
Part of the problem appeared to be that a significant number of elderly people aren’t aware of the way the body is less able to process alcohol as it ages. What’s more, many are also unaware of the fact that numerous medications do not mix well with alcohol and that GPs are often failing to impart this information.
Alcohol related problems are sometimes missed in elderly patients, as symptoms such as memory loss can be put down to the natural process of aging.
Ensure you or your relatives receive the best possible care. Call Arcare on (03) 9988 9693 and speak to caring and compassionate professionals who can help provide excellent care for old age.
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