Comment Section for Why Are Older Americans Drinking So Much? - The New York Times

The New York Times article titled "Why Are Older Americans Drinking So Much?" discusses the rising trend of alcohol consumption among senior citizens in the U.S. The article highlights that while the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified this issue, the problem existed even before 2020. It presents the story of Doug Nordman, whose elderly father's heavy drinking led to health complications. The article points out that while current dietary guidelines suggest moderate alcohol consumption as two drinks a day for men and one for women, many older adults exceed this limit. The article cites data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that the annual number of alcohol-related deaths exceeded 178,000 from 2020 to 2021, more than all drug overdoses combined. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism's analysis reveals that people over 65 accounted for 38% of this total. A significant increase was seen in alcohol-related deaths among those over age 55 from 1999 to 2020. The article also mentions that older people are less likely to recognize the hazards of alcohol, and their drinking behavior, which includes frequent and binge drinking, is a growing concern. Factors contributing to this trend include pandemic-related stressors, a generational trend among baby boomers, and a narrowing gender divide, with older women now drinking more than in previous generations. The article concludes by discussing the potential consequences of alcohol for older adults, including heightened risks of various diseases, injuries from falls, disrupted sleep, and interactions with prescription drugs. It suggests raising federal tax on alcohol and improving access to treatments for excessive alcohol use as possible solutions.