Older adults who continue the same drinking pattern into their senior years may be unaware that they have less tolerance than when they were younger.
The updated guidance (2023) redefines the category of low-risk drinking to be 2 standard drinks or less per week with no more than 1 standard drink per instance.
It is important to ask about alcohol use. Remember, alcohol is a drug! As we age there are inevitably changes particularly in older women in the ability to metabolize substances, even when used in moderation.
While Canadian older adults continue to drink alcohol over the age of 65 years, on the whole they drink less as they age with a noticeable drop off in the over 75 age group.
Screening and Identification, Alcohol Consumption History, Withdrawal, Symptoms & Treatment
To stay healthy as you age, here are some things to keep in mind when using substances like alcohol, cannabis, opioids and medications.
The Indicators of Abuse (IOA) checklist signals mistreatment of seniors. The IOA (pronounced Iowa) also helps sensitize the practitioner to important abuse issues.
