Rock climbing, sky diving and … drinking alcohol? Researchers are suggesting drinking may be yet another thing that older adults should consider removing from their “to do” list.

Older adults can thank a phenomenon called “inflamm-aging.” The condition is almost unavoidable: As we age, we often have chronic, low-grade inflammation in our bodies. During inflammation, the immune system triggers proteins to rush to an injury site. It’s necessary for the immune system to try to repair an injury. But with chronic inflammation, this type of immune response can be harmful.

When inflammatory proteins are constantly awash in the body, they can cause damage in many ways. They can generate plaque buildup in your arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke. Inflammation in the brain could contribute to Alzheimer’s disease, and it has also been linked to Type 2 diabetes.

And when you add alcohol to the mix? University of Colorado researchers say that alcohol can hinder older adults’ ability to fight infection. That’s because ethanol, the active ingredient in alcoholic drinks, targets macrophages. The immune system usually deploys macrophages to eat foreign bodies, including viruses. But ethanol interferes with the ability of macrophages to do that — and also hinders their ability to call other immune cells to an injury or infection.

This reaction happens in people of all ages, but when you add that reaction to older adults’ already weakened immune system, the response hits them doubly hard.

So what’s the takeaway message? Moderation is always key, and if you have a question about consuming alcohol, ask your physician.