If you're over 65 years old, it's time to trim your alcohol consumption, according to UK officials
On Wednesday 22nd June, the Royal College of Psychiatrists issued a report that advises seniors to drink a maximum of 1.5 units of alcohol a day (or 11 units a week), or about the same as a half pint of beer or a small glass of wine.
Older
people are less able to metabolize alcohol, they noted, and seniors may
be taking medications that can negatively interact with alcohol,
increasing its intoxicating effect.
Current UK recommendations,
higher than most countries, are that women drink no more than 14 units
of alcohol a week and men no more than 21 units, but the agency notes
this is based on younger adults. In the US, men are advised to drink no
more than 14 units a week, women no more than seven. (One unit in the UK
equals a half pint (284 ml) or 9.6 US fl. ounces of beer, one small
glass (175 ml) or 5.9 US fl. ounces of wine, or 25 ml (.85 US fl.
ounces) of 80-proof distilled spirits.)
For older adults who imbibe, a good choice is red wine.
Research has shown that red wine can be good for your heart by helping
to block the signals of molecules that can lead to the buildup of plaque
in the arteries. But be mindful of portions: a large glass of wine
served in a restaurant or bar might actually be two servings rather than
one.
Read the report: http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/press/pressreleases2011/ourinvisibleaddicts.aspx
