Exploring Alcohol Use and Social Connection Among Older Latinxs: A Brief Report

Abstract

Research exploring alcohol use among older adults is relatively sparse, particularly among racial minoritized individuals. The current study aimed to address this gap in the literature by exploring the relationship between social connection and alcohol use among older Latinxs. Secondary data from the Sacramento Area Latinx Study on Aging were used for the current study. Data were provided from participants of 60-101 years (per ICPSR) ( n = 1,631) who answered questions including demographics, proxy variables assessing social connection, and alcohol use. Several demographic variables were significantly related to alcohol use. Two social connection variables—living alone and friendship—were also significantly related to alcohol use. There is a potential link between alcohol use and social connection among older Latinxs. Further evaluation examining social connection and substance use patterns more generally is needed.