I doubt this study, but lets suppose its true. these people that live longer, what kind of quality of life do they have?? We consider somebody that is a responsible drinker as some body that doesnt kill some body while they are behind the wheel. Thats normaly the only time it makes the headlines.
What would the headlines look like if it were reported every time some one cheated on there spouse because of or with the help of alcohol. Or had sex before mariage? Would there be enough space in our news papers to cover the fights & other acts of violence that are associated with drinking?? I dont belive that alcohol alone is solely responsible for these sins, BUT it is certainly a huge contributer to the proliferation of these actions that we certainly will have to answer for.
IN EVERY BOTLE OF BOSE there is the spirit of rape, murder, adultry, fornication etc etc.
Drink grape juice it has the same health benifits of wine, I would sooner haver a shorter life & know that I lived admirably & honorably. Than live a hundred 100yrs in shame & debotry.
I go to the local cemeteries & see full unopened botles of beer on the headstones of the graves. How disgracefull & deluded can people get??
Think about it & thanks for listening. Gary W

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The study only considered "Late Life" drinkers and the sample was 55 - 65 year olds.

Make it 25 - 35 year olds and I'll bet the survival data looks a whole lot different after 20 years. Incarceration rates would also be interesting to monitor.

Bury me with a bottle of Budweiser, a pack of Marlboro lights, and a bic lighter. I intend to enjoy life as much as possible and that means a great brew and a flavorful smoke!

I'm pretty sure I've gotten all of the badness out of my system back when I was younger. Nowadays, those two vices are my own personal wind-downs and the powers that be can take them from my cold dead fingers.

@ April, I got intrigued by Rebecca's thoughts, I failed to thank you for you researched blog. So now - Thanks !

@Rebecca - two strong points. I read the article and did not think about the aspects that you bring to bear. Which is it?? Guess you must be a smart girl, More information (studies) could benefit? I think so, alcohol and long life seemingly go hand in hand. While too much alcohol has the opposite effect.

Smoking staves off Alzheimers & Senility, shame there's the COPD & cancer risk. With every plus there is always a minus. While enjoying the life stretching effects of alcohol, watch out for his friend cirrhosis & keep an eye on your pancrease.

In other words, it's not the alcohol - it's the moderation that is the key.

I've always assumed that these studies really reflected that moderate drinkers (might be a mature personality type) are also able to moderate in other areas of their lives as well. Very important areas that are over-looked in the studies. =P

Fails to mention that 60,000 people a year die from alcohol related causes. Also, the report fails to mention the violent acts that occur because of alcohol. Excuses and reasons to drink don't need lopsided research.