Each glass of alcohol really counts, especially after a certain age

After the age of 60, could one glass of alcohol a day be enough to increase cancer risk? A recent study stirs the waters.

The numbers are clear: even a low consumption of alcohol may increase mortality in seniors, regardless of the type of drink consumed.


According to a study published in JAMA Network Open, people over 60 should moderate their alcohol consumption, even if they only drink one glass per day. The risks aren't limited to cancer: they also include heart disease and death from all causes. The American researchers observed more than 135,000 adults aged 60 and older, mostly white, and compared different levels of alcohol consumption. Their findings are alarming: every glass counts, and increases the risk of death.

Daily drinkers, even at low doses, are more likely to die from cancer than those who drink alcohol only occasionally. For heavy drinkers, the risks are even clearer, with up to a 33% higher mortality rate. The results go further, showing that people with lower incomes or pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of alcohol. Moderation does not protect them from heightened risks.

A popular myth persists nonetheless: that a glass of red wine is beneficial for health. The researchers temper this belief. While there may seem to be a slight advantage for wine drinkers during meals, this effect is more likely linked to an overall healthier lifestyle.

Further research is needed to clarify these observations and perhaps finally settle the debate. In the meantime, it is recommended to limit alcohol consumption after the age of 60.

Why is alcohol riskier after 60?

As we age, the body becomes less efficient at metabolizing alcohol. The liver's ability to break down ethanol decreases, causing it to accumulate more quickly in the blood. Aging organs, already weakened, are more sensitive to the toxic effects, thereby increasing the risk of disease.

Alcohol also affects the immune and cardiovascular systems of older adults. In seniors, the risk of developing cancer or heart disease is amplified by a reduced tolerance to alcohol. Even in small amounts, alcohol promotes the onset of tumors and worsens existing conditions.