As we enter February it's time to banish the blues especially for the golden oldies!
A recent study established that the odd glass of wine can actually protect against depression for older people who have retired. Over a period of 14 years, researchers tracked more than 27,500 people, recording their drinking habits as well as their health conditions. Their findings suggested that retirees showed more signs of depression than those working. However analysis revealed that retirees who drank responsibly appeared to have fewer symptoms of depression than those who binged or abstained completely.
Drinking in moderation according to the research was classed as having one to three drinks a day for women and one to four for men. Due to alcohol's ability to lift the mood while socialising was key. Dr Antonia Diaz - Valdes Chile's Universidad Mayor issued a warning however, stating that adjusting to retirement was 'difficult for some' warning that 'alcohol was not the answer' adding that 'Drinking alcohol increases the risks of falls and other injuries and can lead to dependency - and poor health that typically comes with it'. As always excessive drinking is the danger, The findings were published in the journal of ageing and mental health.
It's fair to say that a good percentage of older folk are partial to a glass of Baileys, the blend of Irish cream and distilled whiskey. Perhaps in winter, sitting in front of a warm fire. It seems that drinkers in hotter climes across Latin America embrace Baileys as a special treat on a wide scale as well. Paul Carlton the brand's global marketing director stated that sales figures revealed that more than seven million Mexican's enjoy downing the drink. It seems Mexican's have quite a taste for this splendid Irish liqueur.
