10-year Trajectories of Alcohol Consumption in Older Adult New Zealanders

OBJECTIVE: Older adults are often treated as a homogenous drinking group, but research suggests they engage with alcohol in various ways, ranging from abstention to heavy drinking. The study aimed to 1) identify subgroups of older adults based on changes in frequency and quantity of alcohol use over ten years, and 2) examine co-occurring changes in mental and physical health. METHODS: Data were collected between 2006 and 2016 biennially from 2632 New Zealanders (55-70 years old at baseline). Latent class growth analysis was performed to identify trajectories of alcohol use. Co-occurring changes in physical and mental health were examined using latent growth curve analysis. RESULTS: Five drinking profiles emerged: 1) infrequent, low quantity consumers; 2) highly frequent, low quantity consumers; 3) moderately frequent, high quantity consumers; 4) moderately frequent, low quantity consumers; and 5) highly frequent, high quantity consumers. Drinking trajectories demonstrated no change or slight declines in frequency and quantity over time. Frequent and moderately frequent, high quantity drinking was more prevalent among men, younger participants, and active smokers. Moderately frequent, heavy drinkers were in very poor health. Frequent and moderately frequent, low quantity drinking was associated with better health and economic wellbeing. Infrequent, low quantity consumers were more likely to be women and in poor health. DISCUSSION: The five drinking profiles indicate that older adults engage with alcohol in diverse ways. Two of these patterns indicated potentially hazardous use, which highlights the need for screening and intervention in this age group.