As one of the queries about her medication history, the woman was asked if she drank alcohol. She replied that, yes, she usually had one drink, a martini, with her lunch. That was all the alcohol she drank each day. The evaluation team did not find this excessive, and asked to see the martini glass. The woman produced an 8 -ounce tumbler.
Alcohol abuse is a silent epidemic among America's older adults.
Many drink out of boredom, to ease anxiety or depression, or as a sleep aid. This behavior frequently goes unnoticed. Elders may have few contacts with family or friends and have no job or other social responsibilities that can be affected. Furthermore, many people believe that older people have few pleasures remaining and should be allowed to drink as they like. Numerous interactions can occur with prescription and nonprescription medications.