High functioning but heavy drinkers in their late 70s

[BoozyBoomers]

My father, who is in his late 70s, drinks 3 litres of whisky a month. It’s only ever as a nightcap, but clearly a generous measure. This has been his habit for 15 years I think. Probably the amount has crept up.

He has half a bottle of wine with meals, 2-3 times a week. Plus maybe 3-4 beers a week.

He is still very energetic and active for his age - doing laborious gardening, walking the dog, and going on holidays and trips. He is mentally sharp, reads books and has no memory issues. He drives his car including on UK holidays.

So I can’t say the alcohol is having a bad effect. But I know drinkers build up a tolerance, and one day their liver will just pack up.

Do any of you have experience with elderly parents who like a drink? What happens to them over time? I just can’t imagine this continuing into his 80s.

Afraid I’m in the leave him be club , a drink of whisky in the evening probably helps him relax and get a decent nights sleep too

I’f be more concerned if he was drinking during the day , secretly or risking others by drink driving etc

My dad is in his 70's he's was a heavy drinker when I was younger. Now his routine is going to the pub every every evening he has two pints of bitter plays chess with his friend, then comes home has a few drams of whiskey before bed. He's still very active and walks everywhere. I was worried about him at one point when he was drinking in the morning, but he worked night shifts for 30 years, now he's retired he seems to be more settled.

My Gran drank strong homemade wine every night for decades, she died at 100

probably pickled her organs so they lasted longer

To be honest? At his age he sounds fine and it’s too late for a major health kick. If his health takes a massive nosedive, well it’s within normal range for a health nosedive IYSWIM.

My uncle who drank himself into his grave was drinking a LOT more than that (but would still have been classed as a functioning alcoholic as he carried on with work) until he started having seizures, then developed dementia. All well before his 70th birthday.

I think you are right to be concerned, but probably nothing you can do about it. People who have any kind of addiction are usually very hostile when challenged about it.

Agree with PP that what is important is healthspan not lifespan. Having an occasional drink and enjoying that is fine. Drinking so much you are at increased risk of dementia, falls etc and needing a lengthy period of care is not what most people want.

It's remarkably common and doctors are (or were) taught to be very specific when trying to establish older people's alcohol intake as often the generous domestic measure of spirits taken as a nightcap wouldn't be mentioned.

My dad's drinking habits are similar to the OP's father's, though he's well into his 80s. He seems to tolerate it remarkably well. His liver function tests (done regularly as he has diabetes and is on quite a lot of medication) are normal, his brain is sharp, and the amount he drinks is stable. His own father was a heavy drinker and if Mum was to die before him I wouldn't be surprised if he started drinking more, but I'll deal with that if it happens.

A friend of ours lost his father a couple of years ago. He told us that his dad drunk a bottle of wine a day and several whisky’s. That’s a phenomenal amount of alcohol. His dad died in his late eighties. His liver must have been like a walnut.

He's a good age. I lost my dad in his early 60s. Mother with heart problems at 70. FIL with cancer. All grandparents gone due to dementia, falls or cancer by 80s.

Something will get him. But for now it sounds like he has mostly healthy habits and he is enjoying life.

You can't control what or when the end will come. Even then would you honestly like to take away a source of pleasure for him? He could resent you for your efforts.

My FIL drinks half a bottle of whisky A DAY!!! So about 3.5 bottles a week = 98 units a week.

I have no words. Takes strong opiod medication along with the drink. Doesn't eat much during the day and likes the odd takeout. He's 80 has multiple medical problems including a pace maker.

He has had a head injury earlier on this year. I don't even know if it's the alcohol talking or if it's the head injury or the start of dementia. He's also said he started talking to people in bed (ghosts). He's due to see a Neurologist but the waiting list is not until late next year.

He's still functioning to some degree. Mobility is poor, doesn't get out much so he doesn't have much left other than to drink.

And he lived until his late 80s? Pretty tough old bird!

Both my parents are heavy drinkers and lifelong smokers. Mum is days away from her 79th birthday, Dad is 80 in May 2025. He still drives and also rides a motorbike! Yes, they're slowing down and Mum has limited mobility after severe sciatica and a broken heel bone in the last five years, but they must be thoroughly pickled by now. If they wanted to stop smoking and drinking, they would!

I'm a lifelong teetotaller and non-smoker, 40+ years as a vegetarian and still running several times a week in my late 50s. When doctors ask me about family history, I usually say our lifestyles are so different it's not really relevant.

That’s what I thought! I was horrified when he told us.

That’s quite sad really.

I really think having him stop now will just make his last few years pretty miserable. If he was 30 it might be worth it in terms of longevity but he’s in his later years - I’d leave him be.

Theres probably not even enough time to reverse damage that has been done if he’s been drinking like this for years.

Exactly. It’s none of your business..

My aunt died recently after many decades as a proper vodka on the cornflakes alcoholic, she was mid eighties. Your Dad sounds far more healthy and measured than that. Sod policing him, he’s active and enjoying life. I’m going for it at that age.

I knew a lifelong alcoholic who died at 93 falling down the stairs drunk. So it did get him in the end.