Social and psychologic correlates of problem drinking in old age.
A study of the drinking behavior of 928 noninstitutional residents of Boston, aged 60 or older, showed that 53 per cent drinks; and 6 per cent, two or more drinks. Nine subjects (1 per cent) were self-reported problem drinkers, and another 31 (3 per cent) reported that drinking had diminished the quality of their lives. Problem drinkers and those with alcohol-related problems were likely to be young-old native-born men. They were less likely to be satisfied with their relationships with family members, spouses, and close friends. All problem drinkers had long-term drinking problems. Most had sought treatment, but only one was being treated at the time of the study. The data suggest that current theories do not adequately explain late-life problem drinking and that current initiatives do not adequately address the needs of the elderly population at large.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D001900:Boston; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D010555:Personality Inventory; D012737:Sex Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications