DIFFERENCES IN ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION BETWEEN U.S. ADULTS AGED 65 AND OLDER IN 2000 COMPARED TO 2012. (11th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Downer, B; Zanjani, F; Kuo, Y; Raji, M
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 2(2018)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 306
• Page End: 306
• Publication Date: 2018-11-11
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy023.1123
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: Little is known about temporal changes in alcohol consumption among older adults, especially the older Hispanics and African-Americans. This analysis used data from Health and Retirement Study to compare alcohol consumption among older adults in 2000 and 2012 (N=18, 569). Participants were classified as abstainers, former drinkers, and current drinkers. For current drinkers, the number of drinks per day (1–2, 3–4, 5+), and drinking frequency (occasional [1–3 days/week], almost daily [4–6 days/week], and daily [7 days/week]) was determined. Logistic regression models that controlled for demographic and self-reported health characteristics were used to evaluate cohort differences in drinking status (ref: abstainers), number of drinks per day (ref:1–2 drinks), and drinking frequency (ref: occasionally). In 2000, 24.5% of older adults were current drinkers compared to 32.9% in 2012 (p<0.05). The fully adjusted models showed that older adults in 2012 were significantly more likely to be current drinkers (OR=1.62, 95% CI=1.50–1.75), especially for women (OR=1.75, 95% CI=1.56–1.96) and Hispanics (OR=2.69, 95% CI=1.91–3.84). The prevalence of former drinkers did not change from 2000 to 2012, except for older adults with less than a high school education (OR=1.24, 95% CI=1.03–1.24) and for Hispanics (OR=3.24, 95% CI=2.31–4.59). No differences were detected for the number of drinks per day among current drinkers, but current drinkers in 2012 were less likely to consume alcohol daily (OR=0.64, 95% CI=0.56–0.74). Alcohol consumption among older adults has increased between 2000 and 2012. Continued research is needed to investigate contributing factors and the potential health impacts for older adults.