New Year's Eve is a night when several people go to social gatherings, mostly large public events, and others stay at home to enjoy themselves. While a number of people drink responsibly, overdrinking is also common among people of all ages. Excessive drinking enhances the risk of violence; drunk individuals are more likely to suffer from injuries compared to sober people.
Hindering excessive drinking of alcohol on New Year's Eve is crucial for the health of a senior loved one. Alcohol affects senior citizens more profoundly when they drink. This is due to the change in how they metabolize alcohol. Limiting their alcohol use can thus help avoid risks to their overall health.
Practicing safe drinking reduces a senior loved one's risk of harm. Here are some tips to help them drink safely.
1. Adhere To Warnings On Medication
Mixing alcohol with certain medications can cause nausea, vomiting, coordination loss, headaches, and drowsiness. Therefore, it is good to inquire from a healthcare provider whether the medications a senior loved one is taking can mix well with alcohol.
2. Maintain The Required Alcohol Amount
Seniors above the age of 65 who have good health and are not taking any medications should not have more than seven drinks a week and not more than 1 or 2 drinks on any single day. Better yet, seniors can alternate alcohol with water, as this helps slow them down as well as hinder them from feeling drunk too quickly.
3. Eat Before And While Drinking
Alcohol gets into one's bloodstream through the stomach and small intestine. If the stomach is empty when one begins drinking, the alcohol will enter the bloodstream faster. The effects of the drinks might also be felt quickly, making it hard for seniors to manage their drinking.
4. Get Busy with Other Things
Keeping a senior loved one busy with dancing, chatting with friends, or watching entertainment while waiting for the New Year can help them reduce the amount of alcohol they consume.
5. Do Not Drink and Drive
When it comes to driving, there are other options for seniors, such as taking a taxi or designating a driver when drunk. Also, leaving car keys at home when going out for New Year's Eve can help them ensure that they don't accidentally drive when drunk.
6. Set a Limit
If a senior is planning to drink during New Year's Eve, it's helpful to set a limit before sitting down to celebrate with a drink. This prevents them from saying, "just one more drink," and then losing count later.
Final Thoughts
This New Year's Eve doesn't have to be dangerous for a senior loved one. By following the tips mentioned above and being aware of the dangers of excessive drinking, an elderly loved one can stay safe, sane, and injury-free as the new year kicks in.
At Senior Helpers East Dallas, we value the safety and well-being of your senior loved ones. As a result, we offer exceptional in-home care services for seniors in Dallas, Garland, Mesquite, Rowlett, and Balch Springs. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services.