Attitudes to alcohol and consumption of alcohol in UK residents aged 50 and above

Abstract

Abstract Background Many people aged 50 and over are increasing their alcohol consumption. Excessive alcohol use, combined with aging, can have a detrimental effect on health and wellbeing. This study aimed to measure alcohol consumption and explore attitudes to alcohol in this age group. Attitudes to ageing and demographic factors were explored as predictors.Methods Cross-sectional survey data were gathered from 2,675 UK residents aged 50 or over (mean age = 66) through the Join Dementia Research platform. Demographic data, alcohol consumption (AUDIT-C), attitudes to alcohol and ageing were collected. Two-tailed bivariate Spearmen correlation was used, and two linear and hierarchical regression models were conducted.Results A total of 34.8% (n = 931) of participants were classed as ‘at-risk’ drinkers. Majority (n = 1,671 63.5%) stated they knew the UK Government guidelines for alcohol intake, and most agreed drinking over this limit would affect their physical (n = 2,177 82.7%), and mental health (n = 1,961 74.5%). Younger people, those with higher levels of education, in better overall health had higher AUDIT-C scores, with age the only significant block in the hierarchical regression model. Less risky attitudes to alcohol were predicted by more positive attitudes to ageing and better self-reported health in the regression model.Conclusions There is a need for more information about alcohol limits and health effects in this age group. Variables shown to influence alcohol consumption and attitudes to alcohol could be used when designing targeted information to reduce alcohol consumption. Future research should identify other risk factors in this age group.