Does moderate drinking increase longevity in the elderly?

                                                                  

There has been a long drawn debate on whether light-to-moderate intake of alcohol increases longevity especially later in life. Only a few studies have been done on alcohol and longevity but a cohort study carried out by Piet Aden Brandt et al (2020) in Netherlands indicated that the highest probability of reaching 90 years was found for those drinking 5 - < 15g of alcohol per day when compared to abstainers.

Wine intake was positively associated with longevity, especially in women. In men, liquor was positively associated with longevity with the reverse being the case in women. The study added that the results pointed towards a negative association between binge drinking and longevity.

A long standing belief that moderate alcohol intake in older adults led to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and death was debunked by a study carried out by Burton et al (2018) published in the Lancet. The study concluded that no level of alcohol consumption improves health. What makes the relationship between alcohol intake and longevity difficult to define is the effect other factors that impact on health have on longevity. Besides, the drinking habits of individuals change from time to time.

Various studies on the subject indicate that consumption of alcohol is still a major risk factor for the global burden of disease. Even the indications of potential cardiovascular benefits linked with low-to-moderate consumption of alcohol were obtained from epidemiological studies. Long-term heavy alcohol consumption induces damage on the heart muscle.

In addition, alcohol may be associated with cancer, according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Research suggests that alcohol may increase oestrogen levels and therefore enhance development of breast cancer. Alcohol may also disrupt DNA activity with the possibility of developing cancer of the colon, oesophagus, mouth, liver and breast.

Alcoholic beverages are often high in calories, so heavy consumption may contribute to weight gain which can gradually progress to obesity. It is an established fact that obesity creates its set of health problems which may include diabetes and cardiovascular disease. 

Burton et al (2018) are of the opinion that alcohol abstinence is what minimises an individual’s risk. Their argument is hinged on the fact that the estimated protective effect of alcohol consumption for ischaemic heart disease and diabetes, particularly in women, are cancelled-out by associations with cancer.  They concluded that small reductions in the harm done by low levels of alcohol consumption are offset by the increased risk of other diseases including cancer.

Final thoughts

Although light-to-moderate intake of alcohol will probably do no harm, it may not help you live longer. There are several other factors that can impact on your ability to live long. If you enjoy alcohol consumption, do so moderately. Don’t consume alcohol because you think it will make you live longer. While low-to-moderate consumption of alcohol each day may not have substantial impact on blood pressure, binge drinking is associated with transient increases in the blood pressure. Binge drinking is a definite NO. Adults who choose to drink should follow the recommendations of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)