Alcohol – How Much is Too Much for Seniors?

Alcohol impacts the elderly more severely due to slowed metabolism, diminished balance and muscle strength, and reduced body water content.

“Therefore, the recommended limits for alcohol consumption are lower for older adults: no more than two standard drinks at a time and no more than seven standard drinks a week,” says Project Manager Jenni Björksten from the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County's Elderly Services.

Unfortunately, excessive drinking is common among seniors. According to THL’s Sotkanet statistics, more than half of men over 65 and more than a quarter of women over 65 in Western Uusimaa drink too much alcohol.

Retirement can be a significant life change. Those who managed their drinking while in employment might turn to alcohol for solace if they don’t find meaningful activities post-retirement.

“Inactivity and loneliness can increase the risk of developing alcohol problems,” says Project Manager Tiina Hovila.

To combat this, there are numerous organizations in Western Uusimaa that offer engaging activities and opportunities for seniors to participate in.

Alcohol is the primary substance abuse issue among seniors, unlike other drugs and smoking, which are more common among younger populations. However, medication misuse is also a concern among the elderly, though comprehensive data on its prevalence is lacking.

“To prevent medication misuse, it's crucial to ensure proper pain management since untreated pain can lead to misuse,” Björksten emphasizes.

Many seniors are on regular medication, making it important to understand the interactions between medications and alcohol. Even small amounts of alcohol can cause serious harm when combined with certain medications. For example, some sleep aids and painkillers can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and breathing loss when taken with alcohol.

“For seniors, the unintended combination of alcohol and medications can lead to falls and even serious accidents, especially if their overall physical ability is compromised.”

Excessive alcohol use is not always visible. Seniors might hide their problem due to shame or fear of stigma.

Jenni Björksten encourages discussing concerns about your own or a loved one's drinking early on.

“It’s better to address the issue sooner rather than later. Once alcohol starts affecting a senior's functional capacity, the problems are unlikely to resolve on their own."

It’s time to talk when there are clear signs of excessive drinking, like hidden bottles or nausea caused by heavy drinking.

“And of course, if the senior brings up the issue themselves, it’s crucial to listen and discuss getting help,” Björksten advises.

If you are worried about your own or a loved one’s substance use, support is available from the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County’s Mental health and substance abuse services.

“If the person is already a client of elderly services, they can discuss it there and work on possible solutions with a professional. The goal is that expertise in early identification and assistance with substance abuse issues would be available beyond just specialized services,” Björksten explains.

Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County / Mental health and substance abuse services, consultation and appointment booking number,

tel. 029 151 2295. A call-back system is in use; you can leave a callback request any day from 07:00 to 18:00. We will call you back within three business days.

If possible, we recommend completing the Therapy Navigator before the appointment: www.terapianavigaattori.fi(external link)

You can also visit the Mental health and substance abuse walk-in services without an appointment:

• Espoo: Iso Omena Service Centre, nurse’s reception, Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 8:00–12:00, Tuesdays by appointment only.

Suomenlahdentie 1, (3rd floor, next to the library), 02230 Espoo

• Ingå, Kirkkonummi, and Siuntio: Kirkkonummi Wellbeing Centre, Mental health and substance abuse clinic, Mon–Wed 12:00–15:00 or Sat–Sun 12:00–15:00. Jokiniityntie 2, 02400 Kirkkonummi
• Lohja: Lohja Hospital, Building L reception, Tue, Wed, and Thu 8:30–10:30. Register at the office upon arrival. Sairaalatie 8, 08200 Ojamo
• Vihti: Tue 9:00–10:00 and Wed 12:00–13:00. Ojakkalantie 10, Nummela.
• Karkkila: Karkkila Health Station, Reception Room 28, Tue 12:00–13:00. Huhdintie 23–25, 03600 Karkkila Keskus

Further information: Non-institutional services for adult mental health and substance abuse patients