“Wine was associated with women reaching 90 but not with men. Instead, intake of gin, brandy and whisky increased their longevity.”
While the results are encouraging, this is not an endorsement to take up drinking, warned researchers.
As they point out, alcohol can interfere with prescription medications taken by most older people and although their findings showed drinkers live longer, it’s not necessarily the case that they are healthier.
What does the NHS say?
According to the health body, the following tips will ensure you keep the risks associated with alcohol consumption at bay:
- Men and women are advised not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis
- Spread your drinking over three or more days if you regularly drink as much as 14 units a week
- If you want to cut down, try to have several drink-free days each week
