People say I got a drinkin’ problem
But I got no problem drinkin’ at all…
Great lyrics from one of my favourite country bands, Midland, who just happens to be from Texas.
I have to chuckle because as you read this, I haven’t touched a drop for 2 weeks. Let’s say that my liver is taking a well-deserved break from alcohol, which should make my doctor happy. My record is 46 days.
I don’t have a drinking problem; merely a drinking habit. I usually drink alcohol when I’m on vacation and lately, I seem to be permanently on vacation and happy hour beckons me daily. A drink by the pool on a hot afternoon in Palm Springs seems to be a daily routine similar to
brushing my teeth.
According to Statistics Canada, data shows adults are drinking less with retail sales down for the fourth year in a row. Governments, both federally and provincially, earned $13.1 billion from retail alcohol sales as of a year ago, which is a drop of four percent.
There are many reasons for this decline,
The newest Generation Z is opting for a sober lifestyle compared to us Baby Boomers, who partied “like it was 1999”.
The American tariff fiasco may be causing consumers to purchase less booze.
We are learning about the negative effects on our physical and mental health, causing us to sit up and take notice.
Alcohol consumption can have particularly harmful effects on the health of seniors. As we age, our bodies process alcohol differently. We generally have a slower metabolism, which means alcohol stays in the bloodstream longer and has stronger effects than it would in younger individuals. Even small amounts can lead to greater intoxication, increasing the risk of accidents and health complications.
One major concern is the increased risk of falls and injuries. Alcohol affects balance, coordination, and reaction time.
Alcohol can exacerbate chronic health conditions common among older adults. It can cause high blood pressure, liver damage, and weaken the immune system. Drinking may aggravate conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and memory problems. In some cases, alcohol can contribute to confusion and cognitive decline.
Another serious issue is the interaction between alcohol and medications. Many seniors take prescription drugs and alcohol can interfere with how these medications work, making them less effective or causing dangerous side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, or internal bleeding.
Alcohol can negatively affect mental health and emotional well-being. It may worsen feelings of loneliness, depression, or anxiety, which some seniors already experience due to retirement, health problems, or the loss of loved ones.
Have I depressed you yet? Wait, there’s more bad news.
According to Dr. Google, drinking increases cancer risk through several biological mechanisms. When alcohol (ethanol) is consumed, the body metabolizes it into acetaldehyde, a toxic chemical considered a carcinogenic compound that can damage DNA and proteins. DNA damage can lead to mutations, which may cause cells to grow uncontrollably and form tumors.
Another mechanism involves alcohol’s effect on hormones, particularly estrogen. Drinking alcohol can increase estrogen levels in the body, which is linked to a higher risk of breast cancer.
Alcohol additionally interferes with the body’s ability to absorb important nutrients such as folate, a vitamin necessary for DNA synthesis and repair.
Finally, alcohol can act as a solvent, helping other carcinogens to enter cells more easily. Alcohol consumption is strongly associated with cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon, and breast.
Now I’m depressed.
I need another vacatioLuckily, I’m off to Dallas next week where a Texas barbeque awaits me with a tall, cold one!
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