Do people lose self-control as they age? Does it happen because they have accumulated frustration and Midlife-Crisis?

[Anonymous]

My parents are unable to self-control their alcohol consumption and I am worried about their health. I am trying to understand them and I really can't because I can most of the times control the amount of alcohol I drink. Does willpower decrease with age?

[provokeesmokee]

It's more likely they're suffering from a multitude of shit Boomers inflicted upon themselves.

Asbestos in the walls, lead in fucking so many things, fibreglass in the beds, DEET in the air, microplastics in their blood.

Whatever is in the liquor and, probably, cigarettes.

All these things contribute. Plus add on the fact your parents experienced the '08 crash, two SARS pandemics, the vanising of their retirement...

Alcohol is probably the only legal comfort they can reliably obtain.

Asbestos and lead do also negatively affect brain function. So it isn't just in your head: they are "falling" from their intellectual and mental peaks. Fast.

Do your best to make sure they get their ducks in order, but settle in for the fall. I'm sorry.

[Xoxocutekitty]

Sorry that you're parents are having difficulties with alcohol. That's hard on everyone.

I don't think your willpower goes down as one gets older or in midlife. I think what you care about what people think of you goes down. Sounds like they stopped caring what the neighbors think and drink whenever they want. It's not healthy, and it's not necessarily a willpower issue.

Some people who have midlife crisis go sober, learn to meditate, go back to community college, volunteer at the local church.

[Anonymous]

I think its the opposite, or at least it should be.