Celebrating 3 Years Wine-Free: Choosing Health As I Age | Sixty and Me

As I approach the three-year mark of living wine-free, I think about how this decision has enriched my life and solidified my commitment to saying no to alcohol. In December 2022, I celebrated my first year without wine, sharing my story with Sixty & Me readers. What began as a choice for my physical health has become a foundational aspect of my well-being. My reasons for going wine-free are as relevant as ever, and recent research only strengthens my decision.

Why I Gave Up Wine: A Reminder

In late 2021, I stopped drinking wine after a simple question from my young grandson at the breakfast table. His observations made me pause.

“Grandma, why are your eyes so red?” That question became my tipping point.

Enjoying a glass or two every night started innocently during the pandemic. Still, it evolved into something I relied on to manage the stress of COVID-19. That became a habit even after the pandemic, especially when friends and family gathered to celebrate being together again. Yet the physical toll was clear each morning. I didn’t want my grandchild’s memory of me to include bloodshot eyes and a fatigued expression. So, I leaped.

New Research Reinforces Health Risks of Alcohol in Later Life

Recent research underscores the health risks of alcohol for older adults. As we age, our bodies metabolize alcohol differently than when we were younger. JAMA Network Open published a study that links even light drinking to an increase in cancer-related deaths, especially in older adults with other health conditions or living in lower-income areas.

This study challenges the long-held belief that light or moderate alcohol consumption has heart health benefits. Instead, it confirms that any level of drinking can harm the health of older adults. For those of us choosing to age well, this is one more powerful reminder that alcohol is not an ally.

Alcohol consumption can lead to various health issues, such as heart disease, cancer, stomach problems, and immune system complications. These worries shouldn’t be ignored.

I did find one interesting study about beer (reading may require subscription at National Geographic). According to Glen Fox, professor of beer-brewing science at the University of California, Davis, dozens of laboratory and animal studies show that hops compounds are beneficial.

“People who drink beer in moderation can feel confident they are doing their health a favor,” according to Fox. “And I think non-alcoholic beer should be considered a health drink.” In other words, the hops contribute to the health benefits. Not the alcohol.

Reinforcing My Resolve

These findings confirm what I suspected: there’s no health benefit to consuming alcohol, particularly as we age. Research shows that even modest amounts can harm older adults, affecting heart health, brain function, cancer risk, and overall life expectancy.

Studies like this one published in Nature on brain health reveal that just a single daily drink can shrink the brains of healthy middle-aged and older adults. The idea of “holiday heart syndrome” – an alcohol-related heart condition – remains a risk I’m glad to have minimized. Knowing this only deepens my commitment.

Changes in the Culture Around Alcohol

I’ve noticed that more people are reconsidering their relationship with alcohol. Friends, relatives, and even strangers have shared that they, too, are cutting back. Health-focused articles, news, and stories encourage others to reduce or eliminate alcohol, with many reporting similar benefits to mine: clearer thinking, better sleep, and improved physical health.

This shift aligns with a broader societal movement toward wellness and healthy aging. More people are exploring non-alcoholic options, and mocktails are a staple at gatherings I attend, making it easier for those who wish to abstain to feel included.

Indeed, my hometown of St. Petersburg, FL features mocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. These 10 bars highlight alternative booze-free handcrafted beverages, NA spirits, wine, and beer that don’t leave you with an uncomfortable buzz.

The Ongoing Benefits

I never realized how much this decision would affect my life. After three years, the benefits have only grown clearer:

Physical Health

My morning bloodshot eyes have faded, and my skin appears healthier. My energy level seems higher, too.

Sleep and Restfulness

My sleep has improved markedly, and I wake up feeling ready for the new day.

Mental Clarity and Creativity

Free of the morning fog that alcohol once caused, my creativity and focus have sharpened, fueling my passion for writing and assisting nonprofit organizations.

Emotional Resilience

Life still brings challenges, but I face them with more clarity and resolve without wine.

Longevity Motivation

This commitment is also a gift to my loved ones. Reducing my risks for conditions like cancer, heart disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s means more quality time with those I care about.

Sense of Achievement

Accomplishing my goal of quitting alcohol was deeply rewarding to me personally.

Staying True to My Choice

Living without alcohol feels natural now, and I’ve found satisfying alternatives that allow me to skip alcoholic beverages on social occasions without missing the wine. Kombucha mixed with sparkling water in a lovely glass or a non-alcoholic beer together with friends provide the same celebratory spirit. For me, the true joy lies in living a life filled with clarity, health, and purpose.

While I respect everyone’s choices, I’m grateful for my decision three years ago. I hope that by sharing my journey, others might feel encouraged to reflect on their choices – whatever path they decide to take.

So here’s to health, clarity, and more mornings with bright eyes and a full heart.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Is a “Dry January” something you’ve considered? How have you adapted your habits to promote better health? Describe the impact on your life. Who among your loved ones was there to lend you a hand?