ALCOHOL-CONSUMPTION AMONG THE ELDERLY IN A GENERAL-POPULATION, ERIE COUNTY, NEW-YORK

Objectives. Relatively few studies of drinking among the elderly have been completed despite the growing proportional representation of the elderly in the US population. This study sought to estimate the preval ence of and to observe whether active or health-oriented lifestyles ar e associated with heavy drinking among the elderly. Methods. Random-di git dialing telephone interviews were conducted with 2325 Erie County, New York, general population residents aged 60 years or older. Result s. The prevalence of heavy drinking was 6%. Adjusted analyses showed p ositive associations between heavy drinking and being male, having sub urban residency, and currently using cigarettes. Negative relationship s were observed between heavy drinking and socioeconomic status, rural residency, and degree of health orientation. Age and level of active lifestyle were not significant contributors to the model. Conclusions. Of the studied variables, health orientation offers the greatest oppo rtunity to address heavy drinking among the elderly.