Abstract
Objectives: To explore how older people understand, perceive, and evaluate the various factors which drive their alcohol consumption behaviours. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 33 Australian community-dwelling older adults (aged 65+ years) who drank alcohol at least once a month. Thematic analyses identified common themes which were then mapped onto the COM-B theoretical framework. Results: Drinking behaviours were driven by a lack of capability in the form of poor knowledge regarding safe drinking behaviours and guidelines; high opportunity for consumption due to ease of accessing alcohol and its prominence in social routines; and high motivation to drink due to perceived benefits outweighing perceived risks. Conclusion: Increasing older peoples’ knowledge of the risks associated with consumption and safe drinking behaviours represents a key health promotion priority in order to reduce the burden of alcohol-related harms among this group.
Original language | English |
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Number of pages | 16 |
Journal | Psychology and Health |
Early online date | 7 Nov 2023 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 7 Nov 2023 |
Keywords
- Alcohol
- Australia
- older people
- qualitative methodology
- risky drinking