Foster, John ORCID: 0000-0002-7662-8203 and Thom, Betsy (2022) Older drinkers: alcohol consumption, drinking context and “successful ageing". In: Thurnell-Read, Thomas and Fenton, Laura, (eds.) Alcohol, Age, Generation, and the Lifecourse. Leisure Studies in a Global Era (LSGE) . Palgrave Macmillan, Cham, Switzerland, pp. 297-323. ISBN 978-3031040160; 978-3031040177 (doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-04017-7_13)

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Abstract

Whilst alcohol consumption has fallen in younger and middle aged drinking groups it is either increasing or remaining stable in groups who are 50+. NHS statistics report increasing alcohol related mortality and morbidity in these groups. The English Longitudinal Study for Ageing has been tracking drinking in this group since 2002 and reveals a complex picture when considering this drinking in this group which suggests that whilst drinking is linked to mortality and morbidity it is also a proxy for social integration and positive outcomes and there are writers who have postulated it plays a key role in “successful ageing”. Another important trend driving alcohol consumption is the increased amount of alcohol consumed away from licensed premises in particular at home. To date there is little data that has presented information concerning the reasons driving increased home drinking in individuals 50+. This chapter presents finds from a survey (n=863) which considered the contexts of drinking in this group (e.g. drinking at home, with meals or with family friends). It presents some support for the proposition of “successful ageing” and alcohol and suggests some important gender differences in the motivations driving alcohol consumption in these age group. Whilst it is important for policy makers and treatment providers to consider the harms that alcohol presents there should also be a recognition of the social benefits it may also provide.

Item Type:	Book Section
Uncontrolled Keywords:	alcohol; ageing; gender; social context
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development > Centre for Mental Health Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > School of Health Sciences (HEA)
Last Modified:	10 Aug 2024 01:38
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/37797

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