However, the majority of alcohol-related studies in terms of improving your longevity are flawed, chiefly by not taking into account the prior health problems non-drinkers may already have. Non-drinkers, for example, may have damaged their bodies already by drinking heavily earlier in life. More recent studies show that, overall, those who drink a moderate amount of alcohol were less likely to have died during the study than those who drank heavily or not at all. The study took many factors into account, giving the results more weight than previous research into the subject. Of course, it cannot show a cause and effect so there are no certain claims which can be drawn from this study. However, it can provide a vague insight into the effect of moderate drinking on our health.
If you are an older person who drinks a moderate amount, the study suggests that you may have improved your longevity more than those who don’t drink at all. Light drinkers were still reaping the rewards, being nearly as likely to live 20 years after the study. If you drink a lot, the health risks are great, including cancer, heart disease and obesity, so it’s important to seek advice on how to cut back in order to improve your health. You can speak to your GP about how to do this in a safe and effective way.