Marilyn Boxwell
Many of us enjoy having a drink while socializing, relaxing and celebrating various special events. However, it’s important to know that as we age, many of us become keenly sensitive to the effects that alcohol has on our bodies.
This substance is absorbed and distributed throughout the body’s total water content. With age, we tend to lose lean body mass, resulting in more body fat buildup while less water remains in the body to dilute the alcohol, according to representatives of the BC Ministry of Health.
On the other hand, not all seniors are made the same and the end results can vary according to our age and gender, health status and other determining factors, all of which need to be taken into account. A primary reason why some older persons begin drinking to excess include the loss of a loved one, lack of meaningful employment, one’s overall poor health or lack of mobility. Any of these factors point to facing life altering changes and wherever possible should be attended to without delay.
The Centre for Addictions Research of BC advises that older persons in general who choose to drink would be wise to pay attention to the following suggestions:
• Drink the suggested amount below — fewer than 10 drinks weekly for women and fewer than 15 for men.
• Avoid consuming alcohol when you are also taking medications or check with a health professional for further information and advice.
• Note that a standard drink has 13.6 grams of alcohol within its contents. In the case of five ounces of wine, this means 12 per cent alcohol, and with 1.5 ounces of liquor this amounts to 40 per cent alcohol. Within 1 bottle of beer (12 ounce size), five per cent alcohol is present.
If you know of someone who needs help, a variety of options are available on a confidential basis. Examples include contacting a registered nurse at the Nakusp health unit, a physician or HealthLinkBC. Further information concerning alcohol consumption is available via the Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service (free and 24/7). Also, individual and family support group representatives can supply meeting place details including those in Nakusp and surrounding areas. A toll-free information line is available by calling 1-800-663-1441.
