Huron-Perth Boomers Winter 2023-24

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HEALTH AND WELLNESS Alcohol and falls BALANCING ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE USE WITH FALL RISK BY MARGUERITE OBERLE THOMAS 14 • HURONPERTHBOOMERS.COM
y Marguerite Oberle Thomas HEALTH AND WELLNESS Many seniors enjoy a glass of wine with their dinner or perhaps a little something at happy hour. Some seniors may use cannabis to keep their pain under better control. Alcohol and substances are often present at social settings and mature people want to do what they want to do. Part of good decision-making includes having the information to ensure the best possible outcomes. So, what are the facts around seniors related to substance and alcohol use? As we grow older, our bodies are less able to counteract the effects of alcohol and other substances. Our metabolism slows down, and it takes our body longer to process these substances. Slower metabolism results in prolonged effects on the central nervous system. With physiological aging, the proportion of water in your body reduces, resulting in making the effects of alcohol and other substances more potent. Alcohol and other substances can impair your balance and motor control, increasing your risk of a trip or stumble that could lead to injury. And, as we age, falling can have a greater impact on our body due to factors such as decreased muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and mobility. November 2023 marked the ninth annual promotion of Fall Prevention Month. Each year, all members of the community are encouraged to learn more and do more to prevent falls and fall-related injuries. How many of us are aware that falls and alcohol or substance use can be related? Alcohol and substance use among seniors puts additional stress on vulnerable body systems and reduces a person’s ability to deal with the consequences of the aging process. It is important to also be aware of how medications can interact with substances, and to consider when and how much to consume together. This includes not only seniors struggling with higher alcohol and substance use, but also those seniors simply enjoying a social glass of wine or the occasional edible (cannabis) for dessert. Can seniors enjoy a mimosa at Sunday brunch? All alcohol and substance use consumption needs to be part of the many pieces in life’s big picture puzzle. The most recent guidelines tell us that no alcohol is the best choice for zero risk. Check out more resources, assess your risks, make choices, and enjoy life lived your way. Alcohol consumption (per week and associated risk) No drink: No risk 1-2 drinks: Low risk 3-6 drinks: Moderate risk 7 or more: Increasingly high risk WINTER 2023/24 • 15
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Huron-Perth Boomers Winter 2023-24

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