As we age, most of us seem to naturally cut back on the amount of alcohol we consume. We simply can’t drink as much as we could and stay upright. However, Covid_19 may have changed that slightly!

Even though we are in quarantine and not doing very much, there are certain things we find it difficult to live without, especially socialising which often goes with a quiet sip of wine. Because isolating is proving to be quite stressful, looking forward to a glass of wine at the end of the day has become deep and meaningful. A couple of weeks ago we would never have thought it possible.

But it is what it is and some of us are drinking more than usual!

Ignoring things as they are right now, what do you suppose are the three main reasons for not drinking as much as we grow a little older?

Falls off a cliff as we mature … we just can’t do it anymore. The capacity to consume alcohol just goes. Ending up on the floor isn’t a good look when you’re 18 and gorgeous … over 50 and the rest it’s a really bad look.

If we’re honest, drunks generally are never a pretty sight.

As we age, the effects of excess alcohol on health and appearance are worse in women than men. Why is it women who always have to suffer?!

No matter how much sleep you get, or how much food you eat, or any of the preventative measures you try (including drinking gallons of water), alcohol ages us; physically, mentally and emotionally.

Spider veins on the face, which are also caused by excess sun, are not appealing to us. Never mind anyone else.

It’s also important to remember that too much alcohol can worsen conditions like osteoporosis and diabetes.

Not in everybody but cirrhosis is something which is a possibility if you really are drinking too much and have done so over a long period of time. Drink Aware specifically outlines the effects of alcohol on the liver.

Drinking too much can increase the risk of falls leading to fractured hips and can even cause some older people to appear forgetful and confused, leading to an incorrect diagnosis of dementia.

Speaking of dementia, excess alcohol can cause Korsakoff’ Syndrome a form of Alcohol-related Brain Damage (ARBD)

If you have a drink to help you sleep, you will never get a good 8-hours sleep if you drink too much because alcohol is a stimulant, NOT a sedative.

There are 3 major ways all of which require self-discipline and taking control …

If you really cannot do this enlist someone who can help you … family, friend, anyone willing.

Perhaps limiting the money you spend on booze will help? Fix a budget and stick to it …

Especially at alcohol-o’clock.

Go to a gym, have a walk every day, meet friends for coffee, write a journal. In fact, writing about your changing alcohol habits is cathartic and confidence building! Don’t let depression and loneliness defeat you …

You will drink more than you intend, probably become morose and weepy and generally increase your likelihood of depression. If you’re not depressed now, drinking alcohol to excess will make you depressed.

Alas, older women (60 ++) are less likely to be financially independent. They have longer life expectancies and live alone for longer. If you think you have a problem drinking excess alcohol, or if you think someone you know has a problem, please do something about it.

Try reading Quit Like a Woman Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol … it’s excellent!

Start with your own doctor and take it from there …