Abstract
BackgroundRisk of harm from drinking increases with age as alcohol affects health conditions and medications that are common in later life. Different types of information and experiences affect older people’s perceptions of alcohol’s effects, which must be navigated when supporting healthier decisions on alcohol consumption.AimTo explore how older people understand the effects of alcohol on their health; and how these perspectives are navigated in supportive discussions in primary care to promote healthier alcohol use.Design and settingA qualitative study consisting of semi-structured interviews and focus groups with older, non-dependent drinkers and primary care practitioners in Northern England.MethodA total of 24 older adults aged ≥65 years and 35 primary care practitioners participated in interviews and focus groups. Data were analysed thematically, applying principles of constant comparison.ResultsOlder adults were motivated to make changes to their alcohol use when they experienced symptoms, and if they felt that limiting consumption would enable them to maintain their quality of life. The results of alcohol-related screening were useful in providing insights into potential effects for individuals. Primary care practitioners motivated older people to make healthier decisions by highlighting individual risks of drinking, and potential gains of limiting intake.ConclusionLater life is a time when older people may be open to making changes to their alcohol use, particularly when suggested by practitioners. Older people can struggle to recognise potential risks or perceive little gain in acting on perceived risks. Such perceptions may be challenging to navigate in supportive discussions.
Highlights
Alcohol use is a leading modifiable risk factor for illness and premature death.[1]
Older adults were motivated to make changes to their alcohol use when they experienced symptoms, and if they felt that limiting consumption would enable them to maintain their quality of life
Later life is a time when older people may be open to making changes to their alcohol use, when suggested by practitioners
Summary
Alcohol use is a leading modifiable risk factor for illness and premature death.[1] Older adults are at increased risk of harm from drinking at levels that may have been inconsequential earlier in life. Primary care practitioners’ advice is important to inform older people’s decisions about drinking, raising awareness of potential effects on health.[9,10,11,12,13,14] Promoting healthier lifestyles and preventing disease are key activities in primary care.[15] Screening and brief intervention to address hazardous alcohol use are integrated within primary care services,[14,16] using specific screening tools to identify risks associated with patients’ drinking.[17] Alcohol-related discussion is involved in managing chronic health conditions within primary care. Different types of information and experiences affect older people’s perceptions of alcohol's effects, which must be navigated when supporting healthier decisions on alcohol consumption
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