Alcoholism and mortality kinetics

Abstract

Gompertz plots of age-specific mortality rates versus age were compared in alcoholics and the general population. Alcoholism had a dual effect, apparently increasing vulnerability to death while slowing the aging rate (longevity is a two-dimensional function). It was hypothesized that the apparent slowing of the aging rate was an artifact, resulting from population heterogeneity in vulnerability. It is recommended that in future studies, attempts be made to categorize alcoholic subjects with respect to alcoholic habit. Longitudinal studies would also be useful.