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Published on: September 30, 2020
Epidemiology of problem drinking among elderly people
1Department of Internal Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53295-1000, USA.
The International Journal of the Addictions
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Alcohol misuse is a significant public health issue for older adults, affecting 2-10% of the elderly population. Healthcare providers must plan for prevention and treatment as the number of older problem drinkers grows.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Alcohol use and misuse decrease with age but remain a significant concern for older populations.
- Between 2-4% of US elderly meet criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence, with up to 10% being heavy or problem drinkers.
- Alcohol misuse is more prevalent in men than women within the elderly demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the ongoing public health challenge of alcohol misuse among the elderly.
- To project the increasing absolute number of older problem drinkers due to population expansion.
- To emphasize the need for proactive planning by healthcare providers for prevention and treatment.
Main Methods:
- The study reviews existing data on alcohol use and misuse prevalence in the elderly population.
- It considers diagnostic criteria such as DSM-III for alcohol abuse and dependence.
- Demographic trends, specifically the expanding elderly population, are analyzed in relation to problem drinking.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of alcohol use and misuse declines with age, yet remains a critical issue.
- 2-4% of the elderly population meet criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence.
- Up to 10% of older adults are identified as heavy or problem drinkers, with higher rates in men.
Conclusions:
- The expanding elderly population will lead to a rise in the absolute number of older problem drinkers.
- Healthcare providers and administrators must prioritize planning for the prevention and treatment of alcohol-related issues in this demographic.
- Addressing alcohol misuse in older adults is crucial for public health and requires dedicated strategies.
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