Abstract
PurposeHarmful alcohol consumption among the ageing population is an important public health issue. Very few studies ask drinkers why they change their consumption in later life. The aim of this paper was to determine whether a group of people aged over 60 years increased or decreased their alcohol consumption over the past decade and to determine the reasons for their change. We also examined whether the responses varied by age, sex and socio-economic position (SEP).Subjects and MethodsData were taken from 6,011 participants (4,310 men, 1,701 women, age range 61 to 85 years) who completed questionnaires at phase 11 (2012-2013) of the Whitehall II Cohort Study.ResultsOver half the study members reported a change in alcohol consumption over the past decade (40% decreased, 11% increased). The most common reasons given for decreases were as a health precaution and fewer social occasions. Common reasons for increases were more social occasions and fewer responsibilities. The lowest SEP group was less likely to increase consumption compared to high SEP (RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.81). Women were more likely to increase consumption in response to stress/depression than men (RR1.53, 95% CI 1.04 to 2.25). Compared to high SEP, the lowest SEP group was less likely to reduce as a health precaution (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.76).ConclusionsAlcohol consumption in late life is not fixed. Reasons for change vary by age, sex and SEP. Such information could be used to tailor intervention strategies to reduce harmful consumption.
Highlights
Alcohol and ageing is emerging as an important public health issue.[1,2] There are concerns that drinking among the elderly may become a hidden epidemic and that older people with substance use problems have high levels of unmet need.[3,4] This section of society has more co-morbidity, is more likely to be taking prescribed medication[5] and more physiologically vulnerable to the effects of alcohol.[1]
Over half the study members reported a change in alcohol consumption over the past decade (40% decreased, 11% increased)
The most common reasons given for decreases were as a health precaution and fewer social occasions
Summary
Alcohol and ageing is emerging as an important public health issue.[1,2] There are concerns that drinking among the elderly may become a hidden epidemic and that older people with substance use problems have high levels of unmet need.[3,4] This section of society has more co-morbidity, is more likely to be taking prescribed medication[5] and more physiologically vulnerable to the effects of alcohol.[1]. We know that individuals change their alcohol consumption over the life-course and that mean volume consumed typically declines as people get older.[6] [7] Drinking motives have been fairly extensively studied among adolescents and young adults.[8,9] there has been little research on the reasons why people reduce or increase their consumption in later life. Such information may be used to inform future, targeted prevention programmes.[10]
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