Middle-aged and older people tend to drink alcohol frequently

Roughly 17 million Americans over the age of 18 have alcohol problems, and alcohol consumption leads to nearly 88,000 deaths each year, making alcohol the third leading cause of death. In the context of the reduction in prevalence, it was therefore necessary to obtain more accurate estimates of what proportion of the population is at increased risk. Only by doing so will it then be possible to accurately target and focus on prevention.

In total, 59 397 men and women were included in the analysis and their drinking habits were monitored from 1979 to 2013. The average amount of alcohol each study participant consumed per week was assessed, as well as how often they indulged in drinking.

The results of the study were published in BMC Medicine and showed that the curve of average alcohol consumption rises sharply for both women and men from adolescence to young adulthood, where it peaks. This is followed by a slight decline and plateau in older adulthood and a further decline in old age. Women have a lower average consumption than men, with men reaching around 20 units per week compared to 7-8 units per week for women.

However, if we look at the frequency of drinking alcohol, the results are quite the opposite. The most frequent drinkers are middle-aged and older people, especially men. It even showed that more than 50% of men over the age of 65 drink alcohol every day or almost every day. In contrast, teenagers and young adults admit to drinking alcohol no more than 1-2 times a week.

Source: medicalnewstoday