You read that right: A newly released study shows that regular drinkers are less likely to die prematurely than people who have never indulged in alcohol.

The 20 year study that looked at individuals between ages 55 and 65 found that mortality rates were highest for those who abstained totally from alcohol. Of the 1,824 study participants, only 41 percent of the moderate drinkers died prematurely compared to a whopping 69 percent of the nondrinkers.  The heavy drinkers fared better than those who abstained, with a 60 percent mortality rate.

The study also accounted for variables ranging from socioeconomic status to level of physical activity.  Despite the increased risks for cirrhosis and several types of cancer, not to mention dependency, accidents, and poor judgment associated with heavy drinking, those who imbibe are less likely to die than people who stay dry.

One possible explanation was that alcohol can be a great social lubricant, and strong social networks are essential for maintaining mental and physical health. The nondrinkers have been shown to demonstrate greater signs of depression than their carousing counterparts.

As always, it's still important to drink responsibly. Just make sure you know your limits before raising that glass.

[MNN]