DJ Trava

Posts Tagged ‘Brandeis University’

Greater numbers in the elderly community in the United States drink more than they should.  Either neglected or accidentally looked over, those in the medical community aften miss out on the fact that older people consume more alcohol than is recommended at their age.
 
In a study done with Medicare, scientists discovered that about 9 percent of people with Medicare benefits drank more than necessary from the age bracket of 65 years and older.  The number of people used in the study was around 13,000 and provided a good example of the problem of alcohol in the elderly within society.   With numbers growing, alcoholism intervention might become a growing trend among older loved in families.

Other researches provided more evidence that not all of the elderly are experiencing these same problems.  However, the previously mentioned 9 present still pose a problem.  In a month they can usually consume 30 or more drinks and in just one drinking session, they can drink 4 or more drinks.  Most Medicare beneficiaries do not drink at all: 2/3 were found to be complete teetotalers.  no official studies have been done with medicare to check on the possible growing number of alcohol abuse intervention. 

Other statistics showed that those that do drink, drink within the limit that healthcare providers recommend. Researchers at Brandeis University found that about two-thirds of Medicare beneficiaries do not drink at all and 25 percent drink within recommended guidelines. But the remaining nine percent drink more than 30 drinks during a month or more than four drinks in any one sitting.

While alcohol abuse remains much more a problem within teenagers and young adults, the problem has been expanding for the elderly.  Yet little news or attention has been given to this problem by the media or the medical community.  But in many an addiction treatment center, there has been a definite increase in patients that
range in age from 65 and older.