Medscape’s Lisa O’Mary reported recently that individuals over the age of 60 who drink on regular occasion are at risk of an early death, especially from cancer or cardiovascular-related complications.
These are the conclusions of a recent, extensive investigation published last week by JAMA Network Open, which corroborate several other contemporary studies suggesting that any level of alcohol intake is associated with substantial health hazards. This contrasts with long-standing public health advice implying that moderate alcohol consumption (one or two drinks daily) was not risky. Lately, researchers have identified shortcomings in how earlier conclusions were reached.
In this newest research, scientists in Spain scrutinized health information for over 135,000 individuals, all aged 60 or older, residing in the United Kingdom, and who contributed their health data to the UK Biobank. The mean age of participants at the commencement of the analysis period was 64.
The investigators compared 12 years of health results for infrequent drinkers to those who consumed at least some alcohol every day on average. The most significant health dangers were observed between occasional drinkers and those classified as “high risk” by the researchers. Occasional drinkers consumed less than roughly two drinks weekly. The high-risk category included males who averaged nearly three drinks or more daily, and females who averaged about a drink and a half or more per day. Compared to occasional drinking, the analysis revealed that high-risk drinking was associated with:
Even more moderate drinking patterns were also connected to a heightened risk of early death and cancer mortality, and just averaging about one drink or less per day was linked to an 11% greater likelihood of dying from cancer. Low and moderate drinkers faced the greatest risk if they also had health issues or experienced socioeconomic factors such as residing in less prosperous areas.
The results also indicated the possibility that primarily consuming wine, or drinking mostly with meals, may be lower-risk, but the scientists called for additional research on these topics since “it may largely reflect the impact of healthier lifestyles, slower alcohol absorption, or nonalcoholic components of beverages.”
A recent Gallup survey revealed that, overall, Americans’ perceptions regarding the health consequences of alcohol are shifting, with 65% of young adults (aged 18 to 34) stating that drinking can have adverse health effects. However, only 39% of adults aged 55 or older concurred that drinking is detrimental to an individual’s health. The disparity in viewpoints between younger and older adults about drinking is the most significant on record, Gallup reported.
If you find yourself questioning whether alcohol consumption is interfering with your ability to work or maintain a stable income, it’s crucial to consider the potential long-term consequences and explore the support options available to you. Regular alcohol use, particularly among older adults, can lead to a range of health issues that may result in disabilities, making it challenging to sustain employment.
For individuals in Canada who are struggling with alcohol-related health issues or disabilities that impact their ability to work, there are financial support options available. The Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPPD) benefit is a monthly payment designed to support those who have made sufficient contributions to the CPP and are unable to work due to a severe and prolonged disability. To qualify for CPPD, the disability must be both severe and prolonged, meaning it significantly impairs your ability to work and is expected to last for at least one year or result in death.
In addition to CPPD, long-term disability (LTD) insurance benefits may be available through employer-sponsored plans or private insurance policies. LTD benefits typically provide a percentage of your pre-disability income if you are unable to work due to a disability, including those related to alcohol misuse. To access LTD benefits, you must meet the specific definition of disability outlined in your insurance policy and provide medical evidence supporting your claim. It’s important to note that qualifying for disability benefits related to alcohol misuse may require demonstrating that you are actively seeking treatment and making efforts to overcome your substance abuse issues.
If you or a loved one are grappling with alcohol misuse and its impact on your health, well-being, and ability to work, it’s crucial to seek professional help. Reach out to your healthcare provider, local addiction services, or disability support organizations for guidance on treatment options and available resources. Taking proactive steps to address substance abuse issues can help mitigate the risk of developing disabilities, improve overall quality of life, and increase your chances of maintaining stable employment or qualifying for disability benefits if needed.
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