Citation

Chapman J, Harrison N, Kostadinov V, Skinner N, Roche A. Drug Alcohol Rev. 2019; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/dar.13022

PMID

31829473

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Australia has an ageing population. Given the concomitant increase in the numbers and proportion of risky drinkers among older adults, research examining contributory factors is a priority. The current study examined older adults' estimates of the NHMRC low-risk drinking guidelines, consumption patterns and associated harms and self-identification of drinking type. DESIGN AND METHODS: Data from respondents aged 50+ years (N = 11 886) in the 2016 National Drug Strategy Household Survey were subjected to secondary analyses. Estimates of low-risk drinking levels, perceived level of harm from current drinking, self-identification of drinking type and awareness of standard drinks and labelling were included. Data were examined for those aged 50-59 years and 60+.

RESULTS: Seventeen percent of older Australians drank at both long-term and short-term risk levels. Approximately 39% of males and 11% of females overestimated the long-term low-risk levels and 54% of males and 20% of females overestimated the short-term low-risk levels. Overestimation was highest among risky drinkers. Most older risky drinkers were aware of standard drinks and labelling; however, less than half perceived their drinking as harmful, instead identifying as social drinkers.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Although substantial gaps are evident in older respondents' estimates of low-risk drinking, additional public awareness campaigns are likely to be of limited use. Older peoples' engagement with the public health system presents 'windows of opportunity' to provide targeted, age-appropriate harm reduction strategies. Appropriate intervention and policy responses are required to direct resources to this emerging area of concern.

© 2019 Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs.

Language: en

Keywords

Australians; alcohol consumption; harm reduction; older adults