Alcohol and older bodies

Alcohol is broken down more slowly in the body as we age. The same amount of alcohol tends to have a greater effect on older people.

Older women are usually more sensitive than older men to the effects of alcohol.

Alcohol can affect you more than it did when you were younger. This is normal, but it can cause problems.

Notice the effects that alcohol has on you. Think about cutting down if you feel that even a small amount of alcohol is affecting you more or causing problems.

Go to the Alcohol and Your Body interactive tool to learn more about the how drinking alcohol affects different parts of your body.