Almost 80% of people ages 50 to 80 drink alcohol occasionally, and approximately 20% of adults ages 60 to 64 and around 10% over the age of 65 report binge drinking.

One poll even found that more than a quarter of adults over 50 and 10 % over age 65 report having six or more drinks on at least one occasion in the past year.

That's risky business because it not only affects how certain medications work and has an impact on a variety of chronic diseases, but it also increases the risk of falling, which is the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in older adults, and the leading cause of traumatic brain injury.

In fact, a new study shows that when older people drink alcohol, their risk of having a brain bleed from a fall doubles.

If you’re older and want to enjoy an occasional drink, take care to stay steady on your feet, don't drive, and avoid walking on uneven surfaces or crowded sidewalks.

And if you're smart about cutting down or eliminating alcohol from your routine, you'll reap heart-health benefits as well. A study presented at the American Heart Association Basic Cardiovascular Sciences Scientific Sessions 2024 found that binge drinking leads to AFib (an irregular heartbeat associated with increased risk for heart attack and stroke).

Another study found that for women taking estrogen replacement, alcohol increases the risk for cardiovascular problems.