Are Seniors Becoming Sober Curious?

Sep 9, 2024 | Health & Wellness

More seniors are thinking twice before picking up that glass of wine (and not just about whether to go with red or white).

Nonalcoholic drink sales have surged in recent years, with NA beer, wine, and spirit sales increasing by more than 35% from 2021 and 2022, according to a Nielson report.

So what’s behind the change? Are seniors becoming sober-curios – and is this something you should explore as well? 

What the Numbers Say

Being curious doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ve sworn off alcohol entirely – it just means you’re looking for other ways to relax, unwind, and prioritize healthier habits.

Though the sober-curious movement is growing particularly fast among Gen Zers and millennials (61% of Gen Zers and 49% of millenlais plan to reduce their alcohol intake in 2024, an increase of more than 20% in each group), it’s also rising to the forefront for older adults.

That’s good news, especially when you consider that drinking rose to troubling levels during the pandemic. The number of alcohol-related deaths between 2020 and 2021 rose significantly, with people older than 65 accounting for 38% of that total. 

It’s not just about the negative health effects of alcohol for seniors, though that certainly plays a role. With alcohol increasingly linked to problems like increased cardiovascular risk and obesity, it’s clear that cutting back has benefits. 

But it goes much further than that, with many adults citing motivations to quit drinking that include enjoying more quality time with friends and family, improving their sleep quality, and even saving money. 

How to Explore Your “Sober Curiosity”

The path to exploring a life with reduced or no alcohol doesn’t require drastic changes overnight, but instead, some thoughtful consideration. Here are some tips.

1. Just Start Somewhere

Many people balk at the idea of becoming sober because they think it means an entire lifetime with never a drop to drink again. That doesn’t have to be the case. 

Sober curiosity simply means opening yourself up to the lifestyle – not mandating perfection. You don’t need to have all the answers or a rigid plan in place to start exploring what a life with less alcohol could look like. 

2. Build a Strong Community

Surrounding yourself with supportive individuals, whether friends who understand your reasons for exploring sobriety or groups dedicated to sober living, can provide encouragement and insight as you navigate this transition.

3. Set Some Goals

Understanding your “why” is crucial. Reflect on the reasons behind your curiosity about sobriety – be it health concerns, a desire for clearer mornings, or a quest for a deeper connection with your own self without the haze of alcohol.

Then, set some goals. Maybe you just want to enjoy drinks only on social occasions, or perhaps you want to limit yourself to just one drink per month. Whatever the case may be, try to set goals that are both meaningful and realistic. 

4. Write Down the Benefits

Keeping a journal of the positive changes you notice can serve as a powerful motivator. Whether it’s improved sleep, better mood regulation, or newfound hobbies that don’t revolve around drinking, tracking these benefits can reinforce your commitment.

5. Find Healthy Substitutes 

Exploring nonalcoholic alternatives can satisfy the ritual of having a drink without all the nasty aftereffects. The booming market for nonalcoholic beverages means there are more options than ever to fulfill this need.

Find the Right Support for Your Sober Journey

Whether it’s cutting out booze entirely or limiting yourself to just one or two drinks per week, reassessing your alcohol use can significantly enhance your quality of life.

If you’re curious about what sober living might have to offer you in your senior years, consider reaching out to The Cortland Wyoming

We offer special resources and guidance to those who are interested in exploring a sober lifestyle and will work with you in our assisted living communities to help you meet your goals – no matter what those goals might be. We’re in this together!

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Extremely happy! My family member moved here earlier this year and we have nothing but great things to say about the care, communication and compassion Tanglewood has for their residents. We were a bit nervous about moving our family member here, we had experienced an unpleasant environment with another assisted living community. Needless to say, we are beyond grateful for the wonderful team at Tanglewood. They have great communication and are always willing to go the extra mile to check on their residents. Highly recommend!!! I know that there are a lot of places people can choose from, hope they would pick Tanglewood.
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Angelica
My husband's favorite aunt was placed in this facility by her children, and I was very impressed with everything I saw when we visited. It was very clean and everyone was very polite and helpful. We were also glad to get updates from our family about how well the facility was handling the CoVID-19 pandemic. I know that my husband's cousins have been very happy and are not worried about their mother's health or well being while at Tanglewood, which says a lot with how crazy 2020 was. Overall, my husband and I are impressed with what we have experienced and heard, and we highly recommend this facility.
Angelica
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Samuel
I think it is best to start with understanding that Tanglewood Trace handles not only Independent Living but also Assisted Living and Personal Care. I think the reviews really should be based on that aspect in mind. I speak with regard to Assisted Living. My great aunt spent 4 years at Tanglewood and without reservation I always felt exceptionally comfortable with the standard of care at this facility. I really enjoyed whenever I would visit my great aunt that the nurses and practitioners at the center would greet me by my name and always would ask me personally if my great aunt was happy with the care as she was not always so critical. Understanding within reason - the nurses and practitioners always would be honest as to when and how they could react to a concern I had on behalf of my aunt - and if reasonable we would see the results shortly after. Often my great aunt just wanted to have more towels on a different day or evening or even - more simply - ask for additional services with my help when I visited that would always be acknowledged. I highly recommend Tanglewood - proximity to Notre Dame and the University Park Mall were awesome benefits.
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Samuel
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Helene
I have so many positive things to say about the Tanglewood Trace team and caring experience that they provide...My parents in law moved from IOWA in early 2023 into Tanglewood's Assisted Living to be closer to family. The warm welcome that they received by the staff and the other residents was just the beginning of their positive experience. Tanglewood's diverse calendar of activities and entertainment, the lovely dining room and variety of daily tasty menu options as well as the personalized care that the staff provide are some of the many good things I can attest to. When my mother in law suffered some falls that resulted in a broken leg and surgery, the Tanglewood nursing caregivers and therapy department rallied to assist her through her healing journey, and she continues to improve with their support. When my father in law's cancer recently became critical and he needed hospice care, Tanglewood's knowledgeable, accessible and caring Executive Director and Director of Nursing as well as numerous caregivers guided and supported us in keeping him in his AL apartment with my mother in law. He was able to pass away with dignity with both hospice and Tanglewood's diverse team (nursing, dietary, maintenance, housekeeping, and other caregivers) working collaboratively. My husband and I were by his side, as was my mother in law, at Tanglewood, when he passed. The Tanglewood team surpassed our expectations beyond words throughout this journey. We are grateful to have my recently widowed mother in law living there, where we can continue to visit her in this next chapter. Thank you again to the Tanglewood family of caregivers and to the numerous caring residents that are watching over my dear mother in law.
Helene
Helene

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