A QUALITATIVE SYSTEMATIC REVIEW EXPLORING ROLES RISKS AND SOCIAL PATTERNS OF DRINKING IN LATER LIFE

摘要

Older adults may be at risk from even moderate levels of drinking, due to conditions and medications that are problematic when combined with alcohol. Current cohorts of older adults may have consumed alcohol regularly through most of their adult life. This represents additional risk of chronic disease linked to their drinking. Alcohol policy and practice has therefore turned to focus on this older group. However, in combatting alcohol use amongst older adults, we must first consider the roles of alcohol in their lives. This recently completed systematic review synthesises qualitative research evidence on older adults’ perceptions of non-dependent drinking in later life. Medline, PsychINFO, Scopus, ASSIA and CINAHL databases were systematically searched for relevant articles. The principles of thematic analysis were applied to synthesise findings. Twenty-four studies were identified from ten different countries, including the USA, Canada and the UK. Four key themes were: i) Routines and Rituals, ii) Self-image as a Responsible Drinker, iii) Alcohol and the Ageing Body, iv) Access to Alcohol. Differences in roles and patterns of drinking between genders and age groups, across cultures and socioeconomic status, are explored. Drinking creates social and leisure opportunities, which may have depleted due to retirement and other factors in later life. Health concerns and issues surrounding purchasing alcohol or getting to drinking settings are important considerations for older drinkers. These roles and practicalities are contrasted against those identified for younger age groups in other qualitative studies. Recommendations for alcohol-related policy and practice are presented given these findings.