Health Benefits vs. Risks of Wine for Older Adults: What the Research Says

Aging Gracefully with a Glass of Red: Discover the Health Benefits of Wine & Explore Bergen County Wine Merchant Directory on mybergen.com

Throughout The Next Chapter content series on mybergen.com, we strive to provide valuable information to Bergen County’s 60+ community to help you make informed decisions about healthy aging. While the following article explores the health benefits of wine, it’s essential to note that the information provided here is not medical advice. Before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle, please consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you are managing existing health conditions or taking medications.

We Love Our Wine In New Jersey

According to a recent study by VinePair, New Jersey is no stranger to a good glass of wine. The state ranks 6th in total wine consumption, with approximately 34.8 million gallons of wine consumed annually. When it comes to wine consumed per capita, New Jersey comes in 7th, showing that wine is a beloved part of daily life for many residents. While California leads the nation in total wine consumption, New Jersey’s place on the list reflects the state’s strong appreciation for wine. As we explore the health benefits, it’s clear that wine plays a prominent role in our lifestyle.

Wine has been celebrated for centuries, often praised for its potential health benefits. Moderate wine consumption has been linked to improved cardiovascular health, increased longevity, and cognitive function. However, it’s important to weigh these potential benefits against the risks, especially as we age. This article covers both sides of the equation—wine’s possible health advantages and the concerns related to alcohol consumption for older adults.

The Potential Benefits of Drinking Wine: A Moderate Approach

Is wine part of your Bergen County lifestyle? Learn about its potential health benefits and risks for older adults.

Wine, especially red wine, contains compounds like resveratrol, a polyphenol found in the skin of red grapes. Research suggests that resveratrol can have positive effects on health, particularly in aging. A study published in Nature found that resveratrol activates sirtuins, proteins that promote cellular health and longevity. These findings have led to discussions about the potential for resveratrol to help mitigate the effects of aging.

Wine also contains other antioxidants, such as flavonoids and tannins, which can help combat oxidative stress—an important factor in aging and chronic diseases. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, these antioxidants may reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease by improving blood flow and promoting cardiovascular health.

Moderate consumption is key when it comes to wine’s health benefits. The American Heart Association defines moderate drinking as one glass per day for women and up to two for men. Drinking more than these amounts can lead to negative health effects and diminish any potential benefits.

Potential Health Benefits of Moderate Wine Consumption

Wine’s antioxidants, like resveratrol, have been linked to heart health, but remember, moderation is key.

Heart Health

Several studies have shown that moderate wine consumption may help improve heart health by increasing levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol. A 2023 review in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that moderate wine drinkers had a lower risk of coronary artery disease compared to non-drinkers.

Cognitive Function and Brain Health

The antioxidants in wine, particularly resveratrol, have also been linked to improved brain health. Research from Johns Hopkins University suggests that resveratrol may help protect neurons from damage and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s by improving blood flow to the brain.

Bone Health

For older adults, maintaining bone density is essential. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that moderate wine consumption was associated with higher bone mineral density in older adults. Researchers speculate that the silicon content in wine may contribute to bone health, although more research is needed in this area.

Diabetes Management

Moderate wine consumption may also help manage blood sugar levels. A 2022 study in Diabetes Care revealed that individuals with type 2 diabetes who consumed wine in moderation had improved insulin sensitivity. However, if you have diabetes or other chronic conditions, it is essential to discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor.

Risks to Consider: When Wine May Not Be the Best Choice

Wine may support heart health, but older adults should weigh the benefits and risks carefully.

While moderate wine consumption may offer several health benefits, alcohol can also pose risks, particularly for older adults. Alcohol affects each individual differently, and it can interact with medications commonly prescribed to seniors, such as those used for high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of these medications and lead to harmful side effects.

Alcohol and Mental Health

Older adults are particularly vulnerable to depression, loneliness, and anxiety. While alcohol may seem like a way to alleviate these feelings, it can actually worsen mental health issues. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism warns that excessive drinking can increase the risk of social isolation, and alcohol may interfere with the brain’s natural ability to regulate mood and emotions.

Alcohol and Medication Interactions

For those taking medications, alcohol can interfere with the body’s ability to process these drugs properly. It can reduce the efficacy of treatments for chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes and increase the likelihood of side effects. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism advises older adults to consult their healthcare providers about alcohol use, especially if they are on multiple medications.

The Risk of Falls and Injuries

As we age, balance and coordination can decline, and alcohol can worsen these issues. Older adults are at an increased risk for falls, and alcohol impairs judgment and motor skills, which can lead to injuries. The National Institute on Aging highlights that falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults, and alcohol can significantly increase the risk.

Surgeon General’s New Advisory on Alcohol and Cancer Risk

In a breaking development announced in January 2025, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued a new advisory calling for updated warning labels on alcoholic beverages, emphasizing the growing evidence that alcohol is a leading cause of cancer. The advisory, released in January 2025, highlights that alcohol consumption is responsible for nearly one million preventable cancer cases in the U.S. over the last decade. The Surgeon General’s office states that alcohol is linked to at least seven types of cancer, including breast, liver, and throat cancers.

While alcohol labels already carry warnings about the risks of drinking during pregnancy and impaired driving, this new proposal calls for a cancer warning to be added. Murthy stresses that the more a person drinks, the greater their risk for developing cancer. The recommendation aims to better inform the public about the connection between alcohol and cancer, urging consumers to consider their intake more carefully.

This latest advisory aligns with growing scientific evidence, urging Americans to reconsider their drinking habits, especially as studies suggest that even moderate alcohol consumption can increase cancer risk. The Surgeon General’s office is pushing for more transparency on alcohol labels, much like the warnings seen on tobacco products.

As of now, Congress has yet to approve the new labels, and it remains to be seen how the beverage industry will respond to the proposed changes. However, this is a crucial moment for public health, as the risks associated with alcohol consumption become more apparent.

The Benefits of an Alcohol-Free Lifestyle

Avoiding alcohol can greatly improve quality of life for older adults. Abstaining from alcohol has been shown to improve cognitive function, mood, and sleep quality. It also reduces the risk of falls, liver disease, and high blood pressure. By choosing to go alcohol-free, seniors can potentially enjoy better hydration, weight management, and overall health.

For those who prefer not to drink, there are many non-alcoholic alternatives, such as sparkling water with fruit, herbal teas, and alcohol-free wines, which can offer similar enjoyment without the associated risks.

Consult with Your Healthcare Provider Before Making Any Changes

The decision to include wine in your lifestyle should be made carefully, taking into account your health needs and preferences. While moderate wine consumption has been shown to offer some potential benefits, it is important to remember that alcohol can also pose risks, especially as we age. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making changes to your alcohol consumption, particularly if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications.

Bergen County Wine Resources for Those Who Choose to Enjoy Wine in Moderation

Local Bergen County wine shops offer expert advice on selecting the perfect bottle—but remember, moderation is essential for health.

For those who do decide to enjoy wine in moderation, Bergen County offers several excellent wine shops with knowledgeable staff who can help guide your selection:

  1. Gary’s Wine & Marketplace – Closter (garyswine.com)
  2. Stew Leonard’s Wines & Spirits – Paramus (stewswines.com)
  3. Total Wine & More – River Edge (totalwine.com)
  4. Englewood Wine Merchants – Englewood (englewoodwinemerchants.com)
  5. Prime Wine & Liquors – Paramus (paramuswine.com)

For more tips on healthy living and aging well, visit The Next Chapter on mybergen.com, where we provide a range of articles to help you make informed decisions about your lifestyle.

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