Adults of all ages who drink alcohol and drive are at higher risk of traffic accidents than those who do not drink. Drinking slows reaction times and coordination, and interferes with eye movement and information processing. People who drink even a moderate amount are at higher risk for traffic accidents, possibly resulting in injury or death to themselves and others. (Note that even without alcohol, the risk of a car accident goes up starting at age 55.) Also, older drivers tend to be more seriously hurt in crashes than younger drivers. As you grow older, health problems or prescribed medicines may require that you drink less alcohol or avoid it completely.

He or she may stuff themselves with food or simply pass out in bed at the end of the night. In the moment, it becomes easy to forget to practice a normal hygiene routine. For instance, a person may forget to wash their face or brush their teeth.

The Effects of Alcohol on Skin and Aging

You no longer need to disrupt your life in order to start drinking less. And although cutting back on alcohol can give your skin a chance to regenerate, some damage cannot be reversed. All in all, the sooner you quit or moderate your drinking, the better. To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids and eat foods high in water such as fruits and vegetables.

Some types of dementia and alcohol-related brain damage develop as your brain cells shrink. Over time, heavy drinking can lead to loss of judgment, focus, and memory. You may have more trouble regulating your emotions or managing your coordination. Many people like to enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or have a beer when out socializing.

Facts About Aging and Alcohol

Because alcohol makes you more likely to do things that you might not otherwise do, consuming it can interfere with an otherwise healthy diet. Would you eat that entire box of donuts if you were sober? Almost every adult deals with arcus senilis by the time they’re 80. While this condition is generally harmless, it is a visible sign of aging. Research shows that people who drink heavily have a 33 percent greater chance of getting arcus senilis, a telltale gray ring around their corneas before they turn 60. Normally, the body creates a hormone called vasopressin, which helps your body retain water, limiting the amount of fluid that you excrete through the renal system.

If you drink heavily or consistently, you could activate the aging process, putting you at risk of health conditions that typically affect older people. Older adults have less water in their bodies than does drinking make you look older younger people. Because you need water for almost every bodily function, including blood circulation and lubricating joints, you may feel the effects of aging more intensely if you drink regularly.