The phone rang at 3 a.m., waking Doug Nordman from a deep sleep. On the other end was a surgeon from a hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado, calling with grave news. Doug’s father had been rushed to the emergency room, incoherent and in pain, only to lose consciousness shortly after arriving. The initial suspicion was a heart attack, but a CT scan revealed something unexpected—a perforation in his small intestine. The surgical team managed to repair the damage, but the surgeon had a pressing question for Doug: “Was your father an alcoholic?”

At 77, Doug’s father had long been a social drinker, enjoying a Scotch and water before dinner, another during the meal, and perhaps a nightcap later in the evening. This routine, while seemingly harmless, masked a more significant issue. Doug’s father was malnourished, and his peritoneal cavity was “awash with alcohol.” The surgeon’s question was both startling and sobering: Was this normal, or was something more sinister at play?

Doug’s experience is not unique. Alcohol consumption among older Americans has been climbing steadily for years, a trend that has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a recent New York Times article, the number of alcohol-related deaths among people aged 65 and older accounted for 38 percent of the total alcohol-related deaths in 2020, as reported by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. The rise in alcohol use among this demographic raises serious questions about the factors contributing to this trend and the potential long-term consequences.

Understanding the Factors Behind Increased Alcohol Use

The pandemic undoubtedly played a significant role in the increased alcohol consumption among older adults. With the onset of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a sharp rise in alcohol sales, emergency room visits related to alcohol, and deaths directly attributable to alcohol use from 2019 to 2020. Isolation, anxiety, and the disruption of routine life likely contributed to this spike, particularly among older adults who were already at risk of increased alcohol use.

However, the trend of rising alcohol use among older Americans predates the pandemic. A 2018 meta-analysis revealed that binge drinking among older adults increased nearly 40 percent over the past 10 to 15 years. This increase was more significant in this age group than in almost any other, except for the 25-34 age group. The reasons for this rise are complex, involving cultural norms, the stress of aging, and even the changing social landscape as people retire and lose daily structure.

How Technology Can Help Monitor and Manage Alcohol Use

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol use, there are several apps and online resources that can help you manage and monitor consumption, offering support and guidance along the way.

1. Reframe: Reframe is a neuroscience-based app designed to help users reduce or quit It offers daily tasks, challenges, and support from a community of users on a similar journey. The app provides personalized insights into your drinking habits and tools to help you achieve your goals, making it a valuable resource for anyone concerned about their alcohol consumption.
2. Sober Time: Sober Time helps you track your sobriety and provides motivation to stay on course. It allows you to set goals, track milestones, and share your progress with a supportive community. The app’s daily motivational messages and quotes can provide encouragement, especially during challenging moments.
3. Drinkaware: This app is designed to help users monitor and manage their alcohol intake by tracking how much they drink, offering tips for reducing consumption, and providing insights into the effects of alcohol on their health. Drinkaware is particularly useful for older adults who want to keep their drinking within moderate limits and ensure they are making informed choices about their health.
4. I Am Sober: I Am Sober is a sobriety tracker that allows you to set daily goals, track your progress, and connect with others who are on a similar The app also offers resources for building new habits, reflecting on your progress, and celebrating milestones. It’s an excellent tool for anyone looking to reduce or eliminate alcohol from their life.
5. Monument: Monument is an online platform offering access to personalized treatment plans for alcohol use, including therapy sessions and medication management. It’s tailored to your needs, whether you’re looking to cut back or quit entirely, and provides a community of support through its forum and group therapy options.

The Importance of Addressing Alcohol Use in Older Adults

Alcohol consumption can have severe consequences for older adults, including an increased risk of falls, interactions with medications, and exacerbation of chronic health conditions. Public health officials are increasingly alarmed by this trend, as older adults are more likely to experience alcohol-related health complications.

If you or a loved one is concerned about alcohol use, these apps and resources can provide support, guidance, and the tools needed to make healthier choices. Addressing this issue is not just about cutting back on drinking; it’s about improving overall health, maintaining independence, and enhancing the quality of life in later years.

Join the Conversation

Have you or someone you know struggled with alcohol use in later life? What strategies or resources have you found helpful? Share your experiences and connect with others in our forum: Age Brilliantly Forum. By sharing our stories and supporting each other, we can make a difference in the lives of those facing similar challenges.