Study: People who drink alcohol live longer than non-drinkers

A new study shows that people who drink alcohol occasionally live longer than non-drinkers, despite the health risks involved with enjoying alcohol.

A study led by psychologist Charles Holahan of the University of Texas observed 1,824 participants over 20 years and their alcohol consumption. The results show that people that do not drink alcohol die younger than people who drink one or more alcoholic beverages a day. The participants were between the ages of 55 and 65. Sixty-three percent of the participants were men. The study appears in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. According to CBS News,

Holahan filtered out "socioeconomic status, level of physical activity, number of close friends, quality of social support," according to the site, and still found that nondrinkers just don't live as long as their drinking compatriots

. In the 20 years that Holahan and his team observed the participants, 69 percent of nondrinkers died, 60 percent of heavy drinkers died, and only 41 percent of moderate drinkers died. Moderate drinking is defined as one to three drinks per day. Even though drinking can cause many health complications such as liver failure, heart problems, and mouth cancer, this study shows that drinkers live longer.