Alcoholism could rise in elderly population

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) estimates that three million Americans over age sixty have alcohol-related problems. And studies have shown that 10 to 15 percent of all Americans over the age of 60 suffer from alcoholism, about the same percentage as the general population.

With the number of baby boomers moving toward their sixties, the problem can be expected to increase. Alcohol-related problems among the elderly are much larger than perceived even a decade ago.

This problem, which can no longer be ignored, often persists because family members rationalize and attempt to excuse or are reluctant to interfere with an elderly relative's life. Family members may make a statements like, "They have earned the right to do as they please after all of these years." Or, the may say, "If I live to be as old as they are, I don't want anybody trying to tell me how to run my life." Other reasons for non-intervention are: "It's the only pleasure that Mom/Dad has left. I am not going to stand in the way of their having one of the few pleasures left in their life."

One of the best tests of whether any individual has a problem with alcohol or not is, "What has alcohol done to you and your life?"

• Does it negatively impact relationships?

• Has your health suffered as a result of substance abuse?

• Is there a pattern of craving, obsession, and pre-occupation with alcohol?

• Are you irritable, resentful, or unreasonable during non-drinking periods?

• Have you lost interest in food?

Because alcohol is metabolized more slowly in older individuals, its effect, even in small amounts, can be much more pronounced as compared to its effect on someone who is younger.

Slurred speech, imbalance and falls, daytime sleeping, and forgetfulness are often attributed to aging, but may in fact be related to alcohol or drug abuse. Other signs include:

• A deterioration in personal appearance
• Onset or increase in difficulty with such medical problems as diabetes and hypertension, frequent hostility, suspiciousness, and a lack of interest in things that were previously rewarding, such as hobbies, etc. Preventive measures include counseling, pre-retirement planning, and self-help. Support groups are available through agencies, churches, and Alcoholics Anonymous.

Next week I will continue the discussion of the topic of the elderly and substance abuse and the reasons the problem is increasing.