No abstract

Alcohol-related hospitalizations among elderly people are common; rates were similar to those for myocardial infarction as detected by the same method. The charges to Medicare for this preventable problem are considerable. Ecological analysis suggests that per capita consumption in the total US population predicts alcohol-related hospitalizations in the elderly population.

No abstract

Concurrent use of alcohol and medications is common in residents of these retirement communities. Many of the drugs taken by regular drinkers have potential for adverse drug-alcohol interactions even at moderate levels of alcohol use. This represents a strong possibility of adverse outcomes and a need for increased awareness on the part of both the public and physicians of the potential for interactions between drugs and alcohol.

The prevalence of alcohol use and misuse declines with age, but misuse remains an important public health problem among older people. Between 2 and 4% of the United States elderly population meet DSM-III criteria for "alcohol abuse" or dependence. Up to 10% are "heavy" or problem drinkers. Alcohol use and misuse are both more common among men than women. Since the elderly population is expanding, we will see an increase in the absolute number of older problem drinkers over the next few decades even if the prevalence of problem drinking remains constant. It is incumbent on health care providers and administrators to plan for the prevention and treatment of alcohol problems among these people.