Agewell Health promotion for older people in New Zealand
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Agewell Health promotion for older people in New Zealand
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Alcohol and DrugsIt seems there is a constant stream of articles in the media about the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol on the younger members of our communities. But just because we are older doesn't mean we are necessarily wiser in this regard and as we age special problems can arise for us in our use of drugs and alcohol. For example, our use of prescription drugs may increase as we age which will affect our body's ability to deal with alcohol in some instances. Many studies have been carried out about the use and effects of alcohol consumption. In particular the effects both adverse and beneficial it may have on the body. For interest we have included a couple of recent studies.
Hidden Plague of Alcohol Abuse by the ElderlyAn article in the New York Times reports on alcohol abuse by seniors: experts calling it a hidden epidemic. The articles continues to explain that it is hidden because its symptoms often mimic or are masked by common physical and mental infirmities of aging. and doctors rarely ask about when and how much their older patients drink or what effect alcohol may have on their lives. The author also says that it may be hidden because older people and their relatives are often in denial about the extent and effects of their drinking habits. While few would deny a healthy older person a glass of wine or that cocktail before dinner, the nation's experts on alcohol are now urging greater restraint for drinkers over 65 and asking people in and out of the medical field to pay more attention to the drinking habits of older adults
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view the full article click here.
Alcohol
May Help With Heart Failure
A study by researchers at Yale and Emory Universities found older people who drank low to moderate amounts of alcohol showed a lower risk of heart failure, compared to older people who drink no alcohol, Published in the April 18 2001 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), this is the first study to demonstrate that increasing levels of moderate alcohol consumption is significantly associated with a lower risk of heart failure in a community-based population. "These results add to the growing evidence that moderate consumption of alcohol may be beneficial to the cardiovascular system," said Harlan M. Krumholz, M.D., associate professor of internal medicine and cardiology at Yale School of Medicine and an author on the study. "Our research also showed that different types of alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, liquor) were associated with similar reductions in heart failure risk, suggesting that it is pure alcohol, and not the type of beverage, that is associated with lower heart failure risk." "Participants reporting higher levels of alcohol consumption had lower rates of heart failure," said Krumholz. Despite the promising results, Krumholz warns that each patient must receive individualized advice about drinking. "Past studies show that heavy consumption of alcohol can lead to negative cardiovascular outcomes such as higher blood pressure, cardiomyopathy and sudden cardiac death. Therefore, individuals should continue to be cautioned against drinking excessive amounts of alcohol," he said.
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view the report click here. Links to Other Websites
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Please Note Age Concern North Shore has tried to ensure that all information on this website is correct. However, Age Concern North Shore does not accept liability for any statements or advice contained on, or omissions from, nor endorse any suggested site on this website. Other websites referred to on this website are here for reference only. The information on this website should not be regarded as a substitute for professional advice and we do suggest that you consult with your health, legal or financial professional. ŠAge Concern North Shore 2001-2007. E-Mail us dianem@acns.co.nz about the website. Website last updated 04/12/2008 |
