The Impact of Moderate Drinking on Your Body Through the Decades
As the new year begins, many people are making resolutions to lead healthier lives, and for some, that may mean cutting back on alcohol consumption. While we often hear the advice to “drink in moderation,” the impact of even 1-2 alcoholic drinks per day can vary greatly depending on your age.
According to Dr. Elizabeth Landsverk, a geriatrician and dementia expert, the impact of alcohol on the body changes as we age. In your 20s, the body is resilient, and while hangovers may not be as severe, drinking habits developed during this decade can lead to problems down the line.
Moving into your 30s, moderate drinking likely won’t have much of an impact on your body, but it’s important to consider your overall health. Factors like obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and alcohol consumption can further raise these risks.
By the time you reach your 40s, more health risks begin to surface. Conditions like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension can increase the risk for serious health events, and even moderate drinking can exacerbate these risks.
Once you reach your 50s, even moderate drinking can lead to serious health problems. Alcohol consumption increases the risk of various cancers and can have a negative impact on sleep. As you move into your 60s, the effects of alcohol become more noticeable, as the body may lose the ability to metabolize alcohol effectively.
While it may seem like the best course of action is to give up alcohol completely, Dr. Landsverk emphasizes that it is not necessary for everyone. Factors such as overall health and wellbeing come into play, and for older individuals in good health, the occasional alcoholic beverage may not pose a significant risk.
As you consider your alcohol consumption in the new year and beyond, it’s important to take into account how age impacts the body’s ability to metabolize alcohol and weigh the potential risks associated with even moderate drinking.