If you drink alcohol and are an older adult close to or past retirement age, you may want to consider the way that alcohol could affect you differently from another person. Older people tend to have more significant side effects from alcohol, even if they are drinking the same way they normally have in the past.
Since alcohol can affect older people differently, there is a chance that it could be easier for a retiree or elderly individual to get a DUI.
How does alcohol affect older people differently?
Alcohol can affect older people in a few different ways. It can increase the likelihood of balance issues, fractures, falls and traffic accidents. Since older people may already have slower reflexes and reaction times, even a small amount of alcohol could put them at a high risk of being involved in a serious collision.
Knowing that your age could lead to more side effects from drinking alcohol, you should always plan to get a sober ride home if you’ve been out drinking.
Why would older adults be more likely to get a DUI
You can get a DUI no matter what your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is. Even if it’s only .02%, well below the per se limit of .08%, it is possible that you could be charged with a DUI. Showing signs of intoxication, like poor balance or slurring your words, helps the police officer build a case against you.
Since older people are more likely to have side effects after drinking less alcohol, there is an increased risk that they could face DUIs from traffic stops.
What can you do to prevent a DUI?
It is possible to take steps to prevent a DUI. To start with, you can focus on learning about how alcohol affects your body. Knowing that you are still having the effects of alcohol two hours after a drink rather than one, for example, makes it clear that you need to plan to get a ride home when you drink.
Rideshare services, public transportation and other transportation options exist, so it’s valuable to consider using them to get home safely.