Pomegranate margaritas, mulled wine, hot buttered rum, eggnog…holiday cocktails can add an extra layer of festivity and fun to your family and friends’ gatherings, but there can be Grinch-like side effects on your elderly guests. Here’s some food for thought about holiday drinks:
- Aging guests might already be the opposite of merry and bright during the holidays, and adding alcohol, a known depressant, to the mix is almost guaranteeing a scene of the unsavory type.
- Uncle Bud may no longer be able to drink his beers without throwing off his balance. Some side effects of drinking mimic symptoms of aging, like a lack of balance. It’s possible that a family member who was always able to hold their booze, just can’t anymore as they hit their upper decades.
- Alcohol affects us differently as we age, and in some older folks, it means that they feel a little high from it. This high can make them more susceptible to falling and possibly breaking fragile bones.
- When aging brings health problems, such as liver damage, diabetes, and heart conditions, adding a stiff drink may seem innocent, until it triggers a bad reaction with a medication that Aunt Mary is taking or raises her blood pressure. Read here for more on alcohol and elder-care safety: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/facts-about-aging-and-alcohol
So, how to save a party and keep it jolly? Try some mocktails: sparkling apple cider is super easy; good old Shirley Temples are a crowd pleasure (and can be made with sugar free soda) For 20 more alcohol-free holiday cup fillers, read this link https://www.womansday.com/food-recipes/food-drinks/g2036/non-alcoholic-drinks/