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Alcohol use in retirement communities

W L Adams1

  • 1Medical College of Wisconsin, Zablocki, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Milwaukee, USA.

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|September 1, 1996
PubMed
Summary

Heavy drinking was uncommon in this retirement community study, contrary to prior reports. Alcohol use was linked to increased socialization and potentially better health, with most drinkers reducing intake after moving.

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Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Previous studies and anecdotal evidence suggested high rates of heavy alcohol consumption in retirement communities.
  • This research aimed to validate or refute these claims and identify associated factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of heavy drinking among residents of retirement communities.
  • To identify demographic and lifestyle characteristics associated with alcohol consumption in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study utilizing mailed surveys administered to residents of three retirement communities.
  • The survey incorporated alcohol use questions from the Khavari and CAGE questionnaires.

Main Results:

  • A 70% response rate (317/454) was achieved from residents with a mean age of 83 years; 100% were white and 77% were female.
  • While 47% consumed alcohol, only 8% reported seven or more drinks weekly, and just two screened positive for alcohol abuse.
  • Increased alcohol use correlated with male sex, higher socialization, lack of religious affiliation, and smoking; drinkers did not appear less healthy.

Conclusions:

  • Regular alcohol use is prevalent in older adults residing in retirement communities.
  • Contrary to expectations, heavy and abusive drinking were found to be uncommon, possibly due to the sample's advanced age and female majority.
  • Alcohol consumption was associated with greater social engagement and potentially better health outcomes.

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