• Question: does alcohol and drugs affect ageing?

    Asked by Yasmine to Sara, Richard on 12 Nov 2015.
    • Photo: Richard Unwin

      Richard Unwin answered on 12 Nov 2015:

      Yes. Since ageing is an accumulation of damage then anything that causes more damage can increase ageing or shorten lifespan. Drugs fall into that category. Alcohol in excess also does, although our bodies can process smaller amounts of alcohol well so it’s relatively harmless and some alcoholic drinks, red wine being the classic example, even contain some chemicals which may be slightly beneficial, as long as you don’t drink too much.

    • Photo: Sara Falcone

      Sara Falcone answered on 13 Nov 2015:

      I agree with Richard. They do affect ageing but remember that most of these things can kill you suddenly, no matter your age.

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