News – MODERATE drinkers actually live longer than teetotalers, lending more weight to the argument that imbibing does improve health, according to findings published today.
Researchers from the University of Texas, Austin found that people who completely abstain from alcohol are at higher risk of dying that even very heavy drinkers.
Those who imbibe moderate amounts, from one to three drinks a day, had the lowest mortality rate their Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research study found.
The study followed adults between the ages of 55 and 65 for 20 years. It found that heavy drinkers were 42 percent more likely to die within 20 years compared with moderate drinkers, while complete abstainers had a 49 percent higher mortality risk.
One surprising finding was that, even when taking other factors into consideration such as exercise and socio-economic status, mortality rates were still highest among people who never had a drink.
Consuming small amounts of alcohol is thought to have health benefits including improved circulation as well as increased sociability, which is an important factor in maintaining mental health.
Charles Holahan, the lead author, added that alcohol use in older people poses other risks. It increases their chance of falling, it is associated with memory problems and may lead to adverse interactions with medications.
Of course, moderate intake also increases one’s chances of becoming dependent on alcohol.
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