Abstainers More Likely to Die Young

Charles Holahan of the University of Texas at Austin recently published a study that spent 20 years looking at people between 55 and 65. They found that alcohol abstainers had a higher mortality rate than heavy drinkers and moderate drinkers (1-3 drinks a day). 69% of the abstainers, 60% of the hard drinkers, and 41% of the moderate drinkers died early.

The study factored in the increased risks for cirrhosis and cancer as well as accidents and poor judgment from heavy drinking.

It's possible that the alcohol is helping drinkers maintain social networks, which maintain mental and physical health. Also, moderate drinking has been shown to improve heart health and circulation. Non-drinkers tend to be more depressed than drinkers.

Cheers!