This is a form of alcoholism that shows up later in life. Alcoholism is an equal opportunity disease that can appear at any time, though most people erroneously associate it youth and adulthood.
Some people are more susceptible than others.
For some seniors they didn't drink at all until later years but find themselves quickly out of control. It's like the alcoholism was there waiting for them. There are people who experienced out of control drinking in their youth and quit drinking for many years only to find that as a senior, they still lose control. As a result, they are now more effected by alcohol even though they are drinking the same amounts. Older people who drink should limit their alcohol intake to one drink per day.