The Impact of Alcohol Use in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the use of alcohol in community-dwelling older adults and to consider differences in physical and mental health, function, cognitive status, and social supports between those who drink minimal (1 to 3 glasses weekly), moderate (4 to 7 glasses weekly), or no alcohol. A total of 3,305 older adults with a mean age of 81.6 ∓ 6.0 participated in the study. Twenty-two percent (n = 709) of the participants had 1 to 3 drinks weekly, only 1% (n = 18) reported 4 to 7 drinks weekly, and none of the participants admitted to 8 or more drinks. There was no difference in drinking behavior with regard to age (F = 1.1, p > .05) or social supports (F = .39, p > .05). There was a difference in drinking behavior with regard to physical health (F = 4.9, p < .05), functional status (F = 7.7, p < .05), cognitive status (F = 11.8, p < .05), and mental health (F = 6.9, p < .05). Health care providers should use an individualized approach to alcohol use in older adults and help these individuals establish, as appropriate, safe drinking habits that will augment health and quality of life.