Demographic trends of binge alcohol use and alcohol use disorders among older adults in the United States, 2005-2014

- No studies have reported recent trends in alcohol use among older adults.
- Binge drinking and alcohol use disorders are increasing among older adults in the United States (US).
- Older women reported large increases in binge drinking and alcohol use disorders in the US.
- Older binge drinkers reported significant increases in chronic disease in the US.

BackgroundAlcohol use is common among older adults, and this population has unique risks with alcohol consumption in even lower amounts than younger persons. No recent studies have estimated trends in alcohol use including binge alcohol use and alcohol use disorders (AUD) among older adults.MethodsWe examined alcohol use among adults age ≥50 in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) from 2005 to 2014. Trends of self-reported past-month binge alcohol use and AUD were estimated. Logistic regression models were used to examine correlates of binge alcohol use and AUD.ResultsThe prevalence of both past-month binge alcohol use and AUD increased significantly among adults age ≥50 from 2005/2006 to 2013/2014, with a relative increase of 19.2% for binge drinking (linear trend p < 0.001) and a 23.3% relative increase for AUD (linear trend p = 0.035). While males had a higher prevalence of binge alcohol use and AUD compared to females, there were significant increases in both among females. In adjusted models of aggregated data, being Hispanic, male, and a smoker or illicit drug user were associated with binge alcohol use, while being male, a smoker, an illicit drug user, or reporting past-year depression or mental health treatment were associated with AUD.ConclusionsAlcohol use among older adults is increasing in the US, including past-month binge alcohol use and AUD with increasing trends among females. Providers and policymakers need to be aware of these changes to address the increase of older adults with unhealthy drinking.