Two glasses of wine a day improves quality of life for middle-aged However, subsequent changes in quality of life past 50 were similar in all groups, except for those who cut down on drinking from moderate levels - and these showed signs of decline. The authors write: "Overall, this study shows a positive relation between regular moderate alcohol intake and quality of life in middle-aged adults. The effects on the subsequent quality of life as one ages of continued alcohol consumption, or of decreasing intake, remain unclear. But reviewers invited to comment on the study warned that the study did not take into account the reasons for people stopping drinking or cutting down. Harvey Finkel, from the Boston University Medical Center, said: "As people age, even disregarding medical obstacles, social interactions generally decrease, which leads to both less stimulation to drink and less opportunity to drink."