A doctor has shared guidance on the age when it may be sensible to stop drinking alcohol permanently.
In recent years, medical messaging has increasingly stressed that there isn’t really a “safe” level of alcohol consumption, and that even small amounts can carry health risks.
That message applies even to habits some people once viewed as relatively harmless — like having a glass of red wine with dinner.
While more people are cutting back or choosing not to drink at all, alcohol is still a regular part of social life for many.
Even with the wider health warnings, one specialist has pointed to a specific point in life when quitting altogether becomes especially important.
The recommendation comes from Dr Richard Restak, 83, an expert on the brain and author of around 20 books on neuroscience and memory, including The Complete Guide to Memory: The Science of Strengthening Your Mind.
In that book, Dr Restak describes alcohol as a neurotoxin — not among the most powerful, but still capable of harming nerve cells — and he outlines an age by which he believes people should aim to stop.
He advises quitting by 70 at the latest, and ideally by 65.
His reasoning is tied to how the brain changes with age: after 65, people generally have fewer neurons, which can make alcohol’s effects more pronounced.
“Alcohol is a very, very weak neurotoxin – it’s not good for nerve cells,” he said.
In another book, How To Prevent Dementia, Dr Restak also discusses the relationship between alcohol use and Alzheimer’s disease.
He adds that it’s worth looking closely at the role alcohol plays in your life — and paying attention to warning signs around why you reach for a drink.
“Ask yourself, ‘Why do I drink?’ If the answer is ‘Because alcohol helps me to elevate my mood and lower my anxiety,’ you may be at some peril, and it’s probably best to stop altogether,” he said.
As for the suggested cut-off at 65, he argues that anyone who continues drinking into older age should seriously weigh the potential downsides.
“Alcohol should also be seen in the context of frequent falls among the elderly,” he said. “The death rates from falls is increasing, especially among elderly men.”
In comments to iNews, Dr Restak also explained how he handles alcohol himself.
“I don’t drink at all. I think you have to stop around 65,” he said. “At that age, your brain has probably had as much alcohol as your system needs.”
If you’ve been affected by addiction and want to speak to someone in confidence you can call American Addiction Centers on (888) 830-7624 24 hours, seven days a week, or contact them through their website.