In a surprising twist, recent data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has revealed that while Gen Z is turning away from excessive alcohol consumption, there has been a concerning increase in heavy drinking among boomers and Gen X on both sides of the Atlantic. The numbers are alarming, with alcohol-related deaths in 2020 and 2021 surpassing 178,000, surpassing even combined drug overdose deaths. Shockingly, adults aged 65 and above accounted for 38 percent of these fatalities.

The trend is not limited to the United States. According to Professor Debbie Shawcross, an expert in liver failure at King's College London, similar patterns are observed in the UK, primarily among women. Data indicates that between 2019 and 2021, there was a staggering 36 percent increase in female deaths from alcoholic liver disease in the 50-74 age group. This is a continuation of a worrying trend, as between 2015 and 2019, the number of women in the same age group dying from alcoholic liver disease increased by 15 percent.

Experts attribute much of this rise in alcohol-related deaths to the impact of Covid-19 lockdowns on mental health and coping mechanisms. However, it also reflects a long-standing issue that needs to be addressed. Dr. Federica Amati, a leading nutritionist and author, emphasizes the need for a change in our relationship with alcohol as we age. Dr. Amati points out that just because we had higher tolerance in our younger years doesn't mean we can maintain that level of drinking in our 30s, 40s, and 50s without consequences. Our bodies evolve and change with age, and our habits should reflect that.

Understanding how our ability to tolerate alcohol changes as we age is crucial. Dr. Amati explains that our mid to late twenties is when our bodies are most "metabolically flexible," meaning our liver is adept at metabolizing alcohol and removing harmful by-products. However, Gen Z appears to be more lucid than previous generations, with surveys showing that a significant number of 18 to 24-year-olds in the UK abstain from alcohol altogether. This is a positive trend, as excessive drinking during our early twenties can interfere with brain development, decision-making, and emotional regulation.

As we enter our thirties, many individuals start families, and it is during this decade that alcohol can significantly impact fertility. Research suggests that alcohol can disrupt sex hormone levels, affecting menstrual cycles and making conception more challenging. Additionally, alcohol consumption while trying to conceive can reduce sperm quality in men. It takes about 90 days for sperm and eggs to mature, emphasizing the importance of abstaining from alcohol before attempting to conceive.

The pressures of raising children and maintaining successful careers can lead to secret alcohol addiction in high-achieving female professionals, warns Sandra Parker, a certified alcohol abuse coach. By this stage, our organs, such as the liver and stomach, have begun to shrink, leading to higher concentrations of alcohol in our system and worsening hangovers. Alcohol can also contribute to fatty liver disease and exacerbate hormonal imbalances associated with menopause in women.

While moderation is key in our forties and fifties, in our sixties, our tolerance significantly decreases due to the decline in general muscle mass and liver function. Dr. Amati advises individuals to switch to lighter drinks like ale and cider and take regular breaks from alcohol consumption to allow the body to recover fully.

However, caution is paramount, especially for those on prescription medications. Mixing alcohol with certain drugs, such as blood pressure medications, can have potentially deadly consequences. Cognitive abilities, balance, and the risk of falls increase as we age, making it imperative to review existing prescriptions and potential alcohol-drug interactions with a geriatrician.

The data and expert opinions highlight the need for individuals to reassess their alcohol consumption as they age. Responsible drinking habits must be adopted to mitigate health risks and improve overall well-being.