A global research agenda for understanding the role of alcohol consumption in older women’s lives

Abstract Background The alcohol industry has targeted women for profit and resisted global efforts to address the impact of alcohol on women’s health. Scholars have called for research that moves beyond individual determinants of alcohol consumption in women, to investigate the range of social, environmental, and commercial factors that may contribute to women’s alcohol attitudes, risk/benefit perceptions, and consumption behaviours. While qualitative research has explored younger and midlife women’s perspectives on alcohol consumption, there is a notable lack of research focusing on older women. Methods This study investigated the factors that influence how older Australian women drinkers conceptualised the role of alcohol in their lives, using data collected from an online qualitative survey with n = 144 women aged 60-88 years. Qualitative responses were analysed using a ‘Big Q’ reflexive approach to thematic analysis. Results Participants perceived alcohol consumption as a socially accepted and normalised activity within Australian culture. For some women, alcohol served as a coping mechanism for life changes, such as retirement, and for managing stressful situations. Alcohol also formed part of daily routines and rituals, such as having wine with dinner. Participants had personal expectancies regarding ‘responsible drinking’, often aligning with alcohol industry messaging and resulting in a reduced perception of alcohol-related risks. Conclusions This research provides global lessons for future public health research examining the factors that may shape older women’s alcohol consumption beliefs and behaviours. The authors consider the unique needs and potential vulnerabilities of older women drinkers, and how these may be potentially exploited by the alcohol industry. Further public health research and policy attention should focus on the impact of alcohol industry messaging on older women’s knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours about alcohol risks and harms. Key messages • This research highlights the role of alcohol in older women’s lives, urging further public health research and policy attention to prevent alcohol-related harms in older women. • Older women’s perceptions of responsible alcohol consumption mirror the ambiguous messaging employed by the alcohol industry, highlighting the necessity for targeted interventions.