Alcoholism is the common unhealthy habit among people of all ages. Elderly people are no exception to excessive use of alcohol. Though alcohol causes serious health issues in all, seniors are more sensitive to these effects. Here are some reasons why older adults are more sensitive to the dangerous effects of drug abuse.
The decline in proper body functions is the major reason that makes them more sensitive. It is the metabolic rate change that sensitizes older people to the effects of drug abuse. With age, the rate of metabolism changes or gradually slows down. When they take alcohol, as the metabolism is slower, the alcohol remains in the body for a longer time. This makes them prone to the adverse effects. Also, with age, the amount of water is considered to decrease in the body. So, alcohol does not get chance of dilution and the blood alcohol concentration remains higher in the system, thereby increasing the effects of alcohol.
The digestive and liver function in older people is generally diminished and it results in accumulation of higher concentrations of drugs and their metabolites in blood and tissues. This leads to more frequent side effects and adverse reactions. However, these effects also depend on the overall health of the person, digestive effectiveness, specific health problems and usage of other prescription or illicit drugs. Though an elderly person takes the same amount of drugs or alcohol as taken in younger stage, the above age related physiological changes in the body make them more sensitive to dangerous health concerns.
The decline in proper body functions is the major reason that makes them more sensitive. It is the metabolic rate change that sensitizes older people to the effects of drug abuse. With age, the rate of metabolism changes or gradually slows down. When they take alcohol, as the metabolism is slower, the alcohol remains in the body for a longer time. This makes them prone to the adverse effects. Also, with age, the amount of water is considered to decrease in the body. So, alcohol does not get chance of dilution and the blood alcohol concentration remains higher in the system, thereby increasing the effects of alcohol.
The digestive and liver function in older people is generally diminished and it results in accumulation of higher concentrations of drugs and their metabolites in blood and tissues. This leads to more frequent side effects and adverse reactions. However, these effects also depend on the overall health of the person, digestive effectiveness, specific health problems and usage of other prescription or illicit drugs. Though an elderly person takes the same amount of drugs or alcohol as taken in younger stage, the above age related physiological changes in the body make them more sensitive to dangerous health concerns.
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