DIFFERENCES IN ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION BETWEEN U.S. ADULTS AGED 65 AND OLDER IN 2000 COMPARED TO 2012

摘要

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.