Jul 21, 2022
But only if you're over the age of 40. Researchers have found that there's no safe level of alcohol consumption for younger adults, but midlifers get a free pass. Cheers!
A drink a day keeps the doctor away, but only for people over the age of 40, an analysis of the dangers of alcohol suggests.
Researchers have advised that drinking guidelines be tailored by age, after finding there is no safe level of alcohol consumption for adults aged up to 39.
While any level of drinking carries significant health risks for younger adults, older adults may benefit from a small amount of alcohol, such as a glass of red wine a day, which can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes, the study authors said.
“Our message is simple: young people should not drink, but older people may benefit from drinking small amounts,” said Dr Emmanuela Gakidou, a senior author and professor of Health Metrics Sciences at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine.
“While it may not be realistic to think young adults will abstain from drinking, we do think it’s important to communicate the latest evidence so that everyone can make informed decisions about their health.”
The new analysis of 204 countries is the first to break down the risk from alcohol by age and geographic region, and found that in every area the largest segment of the population drinking unsafe amounts of alcohol were males aged 15 to 39.