The piece looks at why a leading longevity physician says moderate alcohol can fit into a healthy life, argues that joy matters alongside longevity, and pushes back against strict abstinence while keeping a common-sense emphasis on moderation and context.
Lots of people enjoy an occasional drink and many do so responsibly, which is the basic point here. The old line “moderation in all things” still makes sense in everyday life. This take refuses to treat alcohol as a binary good-or-bad and instead focuses on practical choices people actually make.
There is a vocal subset of the health world that opts for total abstinence, and that choice deserves respect for those who prefer it. That said, insisting everyone follow the same do-not-drink rule feels out of step with how most people live. A balanced approach recognizes both risks and pleasures.
Dr. Simon Feldhaus, who leads a Swiss anti-aging medical society and serves as chief medical officer for a European clinic, offers a candid, personal view on alcohol. He says he drinks beer or wine mostly with meals and values the social side of drinking. His stance is that life quality matters alongside longevity goals.
Doing all that we can to achieve good health is sensible – who doesn’t want to enjoy life for as long as possible? Yet what is the point of living a long life if it is one of restriction and abstinence, not joy? At the age of 58, some of my fondest times with friends have certainly included wine or beer. Spending time eating, drinking, laughing and swapping stories has brought me much pleasure over the years, so I have no plans to stop.
While I’m not suggesting that alcohol is necessary, or risk-free, I do believe that our relationship with it is more nuanced than the current fear-driven narrative it’s become fashionable to push.
That middle ground is the useful takeaway for most readers: alcohol carries risk, but context matters. Drinking with food, staying within moderate amounts, and avoiding reckless behavior all reduce harm. It’s sensible to weigh family history, medications, and personal goals when deciding how much to drink.
Culture and food trends also influence how we think about health, and not always for the better. Some people get dogmatic about diets or drinking and treat any deviation as failure. Life is social and sensory, and for many people these experiences include food and drink that bring real pleasure.
Dr. Feldhaus even admits to occasional abandon when the social occasion calls for it. He highlights Oktoberfest as a recurring exception where he indulges in large beers in the spirit of celebration. His point is not to recommend bingeing as a habit but to defend occasional, joyful exceptions.
I drink only beer or wine, and almost always with food, so alcohol is part of a meal. But even doctors aren’t perfect. There is one exception in the year when I throw caution to the wind happily. During the annual German beer festival Oktoberfest, I enthusiastically – and unashamedly – enjoy drinking beer by the litre. Because life is too short not to have fun.
That line, “Because life is too short not to have fun,” captures why many people resist rigid lifestyle rules. Health guidance matters, but it should leave room for the experiences that make life worth living. People can pursue longevity while still prioritizing quality of life.
Personal choices often include small risks that we accept for pleasure, whether it’s a good steak, a cigar, or a night out with friends. Responsible adults can decide which compromises suit their values and their health. The real issue is not whether pleasure exists but how we manage it.
At an older age many people naturally cut back on excess, keeping the enjoyment but avoiding the extremes. That sensible shift matters more than imposing blanket prohibitions on everyone. It’s practical risk management, not moralizing.
Moderation plus context is the repeated theme: pair drinks with food, stay mindful about frequency, and know when a social tradition merits special treatment. These habits reduce harm while preserving life’s rewards. That is a workable prescription for most people who want both length and enjoyment in life.
So if you like an occasional beer or a glass of wine, the evidence and expert opinion cited here suggest you can keep enjoying those moments without abandoning efforts to stay healthy. Being mindful and making informed choices tends to work better than strict bans that many will ignore. Live intentionally and keep the fun in the plan.
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