Liquor License Practice Test

Which factor influences an individual's alcohol tolerance as a person ages?

1. Increased fat distribution

2. Decreased liver function

3. Age-old individuals are generally less tolerant

4. Increased hydration levels

The correct answer is: Age-old individuals are generally less tolerant

As individuals age, their bodies undergo various physiological changes that can affect how they process alcohol. The statement that older individuals are generally less tolerant to alcohol is correct because a combination of factors contributes to this decreased tolerance. As people age, their metabolic rate decreases, along with a reduction in total body water. This change leads to a higher concentration of alcohol in the bloodstream when the same amount is consumed compared to when they were younger. Additionally, older adults may have diminished liver function, which further impacts the body’s ability to metabolize alcohol effectively. The combination of increased body fat, decreased water content, and potentially compromised liver function tends to make alcohol consumption more impactful at lower volumes, leading to a reduced tolerance. As a result, older individuals may experience the effects of alcohol more strongly and quickly than they did in their younger years, confirming the statement about their general decrease in tolerance.