Here's The Exact Age Experts Say You Should Quit Alcohol For Good
In our society, beer and bonding often go hand in hand. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue, a sports watch party, or simply unwinding after a long day, cracking open a cold one is practically a rite of passage.
However, in recent years, health-conscious trends have started nudging us to reconsider our drinking habits. Dry January, sober challenges, and low-alcohol alternatives have us asking: Is beer really worth it?
It’s no secret that overindulgence in alcohol can wreak havoc on our health, but did you know it might also be quietly sabotaging your brain?
For many, a casual drink is a harmless treat, but experts are now zeroing in on why we should rethink our relationship with alcohol entirely. Why? Because the impacts aren’t just about hangovers—they could include long-term damage to your memory and mobility.
According to neurologist Dr. Richard Restak, there’s actually a specific age when you should stop drinking altogether. Spoiler alert: It’s sooner than you think.
For those who enjoy the occasional pint, the idea of cutting out alcohol completely might sound extreme. But when you hear what Dr. Restak has to say about alcohol’s impact on your brain and body as you age, you might start reconsidering your happy hour plans.
A doctor has revealed numerous ways your favorite bonding ritual could pose a devastating threat to your health
SolStock/GettyDr. Restak, the author of How to Prevent Dementia and The Complete Guide to Memory: The Science of Strengthening Your Mind, explains that alcohol acts as a neurotoxin that can damage nerve cells. Although it's a weak neurotoxin, this doesn’t stop it from doing significant damage.
He has pinpointed age sixty-five as the cutoff point for alcohol consumption. Why? Because by that stage in life, your body and brain are no longer as resilient as they once were.
Raise a glass or lower the risk? Experts say sixty-five is the time to call it quits—for good
Marko Jan/Getty“It is essential to abstain from alcohol at a stage in life where preserving neurons is crucial,” Dr. Restak explained in his book The Complete Guide to Memory: The Science of Strengthening Your Mind. He warns that drinking alcohol past sixty-five not only accelerates cognitive decline but also heightens the risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s.
But the dangers aren’t just limited to the brain. Alcohol consumption at this age can also increase the risk of falls and injuries, which can be devastating for older adults.
As our bodies age, factors like declining muscle strength, balance issues, and medication use make even small amounts of alcohol potentially dangerous.
As we age past sixty-five, alcohol raises the risk of life-threatening falls
FG Trade/GettyBeyond these physical risks, Dr. Restak also encourages everyone to take a deeper look at why they drink. Whether it’s a social habit or a coping mechanism, he suggests tackling the root cause rather than using alcohol as a band-aid for stress or societal expectations.
This advice may seem like a buzzkill, but it’s really about giving your body and mind the best shot at a healthy future. After all, memory is priceless, and staying sharp in your golden years is worth skipping that second (or third) pint.
So, whether you’re nearing sixty-five or just inspired to make healthier choices, maybe it’s time to turn Dry January into a year-round trend. Here’s to raising a glass—of sparkling water, of course—to better health and brighter days ahead!
