AMARILLO – Underage drinking is a large problem in America and
much effort is focused on its prevention, said a Texas
Cooperative Extension specialist. However, older adults may be
at a higher risk for alcohol abuse. Andrew B. Crocker, Extension
gerontology health specialist, said alcohol abuse among older
adults may be attributed to many things, including depression,
isolation, grief and fear. Studies from the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services estimate 17 percent of those over age
60 misuse alcohol. They also show alcohol-related
hospitalization rates are similar to those for heart attacks.
Because aging may change the body’s composition and the way it
processes alcohol, older adults need to be especially concerned
when consuming alcoholic beverages, Crocker said. Often the
signs of alcoholism in older adults may be mistaken for other
common problems associated with aging, he said. Alcohol
consumption dulls the senses and balance, which may lead to
falling. Confusion, memory loss and lack of conce