Rising Trends of Problematic Alcohol Use Among Older Adults, Especially Women

Recent research highlights an increasing prevalence of hazardous and binge drinking among older adults, with a notable rise among women in Western populations. Traditionally, alcohol consumption tends to decline with age due to physiological changes, health concerns, and decreased social drinking, but recent data from a large Nordic study indicates that alcohol use among seniors, particularly women, has been on the rise over recent decades.

In the study conducted in Sweden and Finland, involving 11,747 adults born between 1930 and 1955, researchers found that more than one-third of older adults engage in risky drinking behaviors. The participants reported their alcohol consumption over the past year and were categorized as abstinent, low-risk, or high-risk/hazardous drinkers, with some also identified as heavy episodic or binge drinkers, typically defined as consuming six or more drinks on a single occasion.

The findings revealed a shift toward increased alcohol use among women, especially those with higher education levels and income, suggesting that social and economic factors play a significant role. Interestingly, while hazardous and binge drinking decreased with age, the gender gap in alcohol consumption is narrowing due to rising drinking rates among women. Bereavement and depression were linked with higher odds of binge and hazardous drinking among older women.

Factors such as marriage, stable cohabitation, and good health perception were associated with reduced risky drinking, whereas active religious participation and good sleep quality were linked with lower alcohol use overall. Conversely, individuals with cardiovascular diseases, or those taking multiple medications, often continued to drink hazardously, underscoring the importance of routine screening and targeted interventions.

The rise in problematic alcohol use among older adults emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to incorporate regular alcohol screening into routine checkups. Education aimed at correcting misconceptions about alcohol’s health effects, along with psychosocial support to address issues like depression and bereavement, could help mitigate this trend. As longevity increases, understanding and addressing alcohol-related risks in aging populations become crucial for maintaining health and well-being.