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| Vol. 21, No. 12 |
| July 1, 1999 |
 Alcohol and the Older Generation Most of us associate drinking, especially binge drinking, with the younger generation. However, a large number of binge drinkers are likely to be called "Grandpa" or "Gran." One third of people over 65 in the U.S. drink alcohol, 10 percent of them abuse it. While these rates are lower than ones in recent surveys of college students, they may be more dangerous because the elderly are more vulnerable to alcohol-induced conditions ranging from delirium to low blood pressure, and they are more likely to be taking drugs that can be harmful when mixed with alcohol. Binge drinking is usually described as five or more alcoholic beverages at one sitting. Since older people tend to have less lean body mass and less water content in their bodies to dilute the alcohol, it typically takes less to raise their blood-alcohol level. Three or four drinks at one time is considered binging for this group. Older people drink for the same reasons that young people do - stress and depression. But, because older drinkers tend to be more subtle than younger drinkers, it can be difficult to identify them. To complicate the matter, many of the symptoms of alcoholism are problems typically associated with aging, such as insomnia and poor concentration. If you suspect that an older family member has a drinking problem, look for additional signs of alcoholism. These may include: Increased indications of self-neglect or letting the house or apartment become cluttered, especially if that person is usually neat; confusion over simple things such as time of day or surroundings; repeated falls and accidents around the home; drinking small amounts of alcohol on a daily basis; and drinking at home alone. If possible, encourage the elderly drinker to attend an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting of people their own age. - From the Baylor College of Medicine Huffington Center on Aging's July Senior Focus Preventive Measures can be Taken to Reduce Falls "Falls are a major cause of disability, loss of independence, and even death in the elderly," says Dr. Sharon Ostwald, director of The University of Texas-Houston Center on Aging. "Falls can have unfortunate results beyond the actual physical injury. Older people who have fallen often become afraid they will fall again, and they restrict their activity and mobility." The statistics of falling are frightening: falls are the second leading cause of injury-related deaths in people aged 65-84, and the leading cause of death for those over 85; falls cause 87 percent of all fractures in the elderly, and they are the leading cause of spinal cord and brain injuries in that same age group. Hip fractures are the most serious injury from falls because they take long to heal. Dr. Ostwald says prevention starts with physical fitness. "Exercise has been shown to reduce falls, even among frail residents in nursing homes." Physical activity can also reduce the severity of injuries from falls. Elderly relatives should be strongly encouraged to use a cane or walker if they're unsteady. Around the home, several preventive measures can be taken:
- From the November 15, 1998, issue of TMC News Source: The University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center Exercise Tips for Those With Arthritis The Arthritis Foundation offers the following exercise tips: Try to move your joints gently through their full range of motion every day. When you are exercising, you should be able to talk easily and not be out of breath. If you are exercising so hard you can't talk normally, you need to slow down. Gradually build up your endurance to 20 to 30 minutes per day, at least three times each week. After exercising, cool down for five to 10 minutes. This helps you cool off, lets your heart slow down and helps your muscles relax. If you are having a flare-up in your condition, don't skip your exercise entirely. To do absolutely nothing leads to stiff and weak muscles. A balance between rest and activity is necessary, especially when you have a flare-up. The Arthritis Foundation encourages people with arthritis to work with their doctor and other members of their health care team to develop an exercise program. - From the May 15, 1998, issue of TMC News Source: The Arthritis Foundation
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