Alcohol consumption
Regular consumption of alcohol within the recommended limits does not harm your health. Drinking more than the recommended amount can lead to serious health problems. Even small amounts of alcohol weaken coordination, reaction times and judgement.
Most people tend to drink less with age. However, although older people are more likely to be abstinent, many drink regularly, and some exceed safe limits. This problem seems to be growing.
As we age we become more vulnerable to the physical and psychological effects of alcohol. Because there is less water in the body the alcohol is not diluted so much. The liver works less efficiently and cannot break down the alcohol as quickly. Moreover, certain changes to the brain mean that alcohol has a faster effect. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause a number of health problems including heart and brain diseases.
