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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Celebration Villa of Reedsville is a caring community. Staff are very caring and take care ...
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Jennifer Brown
Celebration Villa of Reedsville is a caring community. Staff are very caring and take care of the residents tremendously. Living there is like living at home.
Jennifer Brown
Jennifer Brown
My father has lived here since October 2021. Even though this was a big step in ...
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S Rhodes
My father has lived here since October 2021. Even though this was a big step in his life, the staff made the transition quite easy. Since being there his only complaint has been food and that was only related to how hot or cold it was. He likes the staff and they truly seem to care. His room is nice. It is so quiet and the AC and heater work quite well. About half the time I don't live close by and I feel very confident he is in good hands. It's only been 4 months but they have been a huge help in his care.
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S Rhodes
Celebration Villa of Reedsville is an awesome looking, well maintained community for your family member ...
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Timothy Mosel
Celebration Villa of Reedsville is an awesome looking, well maintained community for your family member in need. Staff are great with the residents!
Timothy Mosel
Timothy Mosel
The Villa is perfect for my father. From the time I looked into Dad...
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L Johnson
The Villa is perfect for my father. From the time I looked into Dad possibly residing there to this date, the Staff and Administration, specifically Megan, Amber and Director Rena have gone above and beyond in making him feel at home and understanding and attending to his specific needs. The creative daily activities along with the excellent food provided plus giving the residents their privacy when needed makes the Villa a comfortable place to live. A special thank you to ALL the Staff for all you do for all the residence 🤗
L Johnson
L Johnson
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Rena Dysinger
Very warm and welcoming community! Dinning staff are very accommodating to resident preferences. Nursing staff are super attentive to individual care preferences. Housekeeping staff are thorough and adapt to resident requests. Reception staff are polite and helpful. Be sure to check the Activities Calendar daily for socials, events, movies, & more.
Rena Dysinger
Rena Dysinger
Celebration Villa of Reedsville is very much well cared for as a facility and resident ...
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Heather Rowles
Celebration Villa of Reedsville is very much well cared for as a facility and resident wise. The residential aides take the most pride in caring for your loved ones. They make everyone feel at home and they are always willing to help in anyway possible. The building is nicely decorated and smells amazing. The management team is wonderful and makes sure to address any complaints in a timely fashion. I would recommend this facility to anyone in need of a personal care home for their loved ones! Wonderful job guys!
Heather Rowles
Heather Rowles

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