Search resultsThe impact of alcohol use in community-dwelling older adults
Title
The impact of alcohol use in community-dwelling older adults
Publication type
Journal Article
Year of Publication
2003
Authors
Journal
Journal of Community Health Nursing
Volume
20
Issue
3
Pagination
135 - 145
Date published
2003
ISBN
07370016 (ISSN)
Keywords
Activities of Daily Living, Aged, alcohol consumption, Alcohol Drinking, Alcohol-Related Disorders, article, Case-Control Studies, cognition, community care, drinking behavior, Female, Geriatric Assessment, health, health care personnel, health status, human, Humans, Interview, major clinical study, male, Maryland, Massachusetts, mental health, Michigan, New Jersey, quality of life, Questionnaires, social support, Virginia
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the use of alcohol in community-dwelling older adults and to consider differences in physical and mental health, function, cognitive status, and social supports between those who drink minimal (1 to 3 glasses weekly), moderate (4 to 7 glasses weekly), or no alcohol. A total of 3,305 older adults with a mean age of 81.6 ± 6.0 participated in the study. Twenty-two percent (n = 709) of the participants had 1 to 3 drinks weekly, only 1% (n = 18) reported 4 to 7 drinks weekly, and none of the participants admitted to 8 or more drinks. There was no difference in drinking behavior with regard to age (F = 1.1, p > .05) or social supports (F = .39, p > .05). There was a difference in drinking behavior with regard to physical health (F = 4.9, p < .05), functional status (F = 7.7, p < .05), cognitive status (F = 11.8, p < .05), and mental health (F = 6.9, p < .05). Health care providers should use an individualized approach to alcohol use in older adults and help these individuals establish, as appropriate, safe drinking habits that will augment health and quality of life.