Changes in Alcohol Use and Drinking Problems in Relation to Role Transitions in Different Stages of the Life Course

Older and younger generations are compared with respect to changes in alcohol use and alcohol-related problems associated with role transitions in the life course, using data from a 9-year follow-up study in the Netherlands. Transitions in several role domains are summarized in an index for structure of everyday life. It was hypothesized that role transitions involving an increase in structure of everyday life would lead to a decrease in drinking and in problems. As expected, the association of the index with alcohol use and alcohol related problems was negative among the younger generation. However, contrary to expectation, the association was positive among the older generation. It is concluded that the role-theoretic framework from which our expectations were derived should be amended when used for research among older people. More specific attention to the content of social roles and associated resources and coping mechanisms available at older age is recommended.