Senior alcoholism

[PoPPeR]

I have a relative that seems to be suffering from this problem. For those that dont know, senior alcohlism is actually a pretty big problem, high percentage of seniors drink too much for their bodies, it conflicts with things like their medication and family lives etc. What i'm asking you is 1) what's your opinion on the problem (if you even consider it to be a problem) and 2) what should family members (both myself, and people as a whole) do to try to help?

 

[DaveSimmons]

2) what should family members (both myself, and people as a whole) do to try to help?

Every family situation is different.

Consider quality of life and what the person wants to do. Maybe grandma will be happier drinking for 10 years instead of teetotaling for 15.

Is everyone else in the family in perfect health, eating only healthy food, drinking only in moderation and getting plenty of exercise? If not, who are all of you to judge?

 

[vi edit]

Does this person have much of a social network left? Getting old sucks. Everyone around you that is your age is dying - friends, family, peers, ect. Your body and mind don't work well anymore. Ect. Seniors are one of the largest groups of the chronically depressed.

I think the most important thing is to encourage/promote a social network of family and peers that the person could participate in. Reduce both the desire and ability to consume so often.

Is this a recent thing, or has the person always been a heavy alcohol consumer?

 

[nakedfrog]

Stick 'em on the ice floes if they can't soften up the leather any more.

 

[chrisms]

Buy them some fine whiskey, that social security check only goes so far.

Or give them some pot.

 

[Stark]

alcoholism?