USA: Old Age Brings Down Heavy Drinking Rate

LOS ANGELES (United Press International), November 22, 2005: A national study by the University of California has confirmed even heavy alcohol drinkers reduce their consumption as they age. The study, done for National Health and Nutrition Examination, wanted to know if a previous study's findings on age playing a role in alcohol consumption also applied to heavy drinkers, or those who consume more than five drinks in one sitting. The latest research confirmed heavy drinking also declined with age, though the drop was slower among men and smokers. The study was based on data from 14,127 participants, aged 25 to 74. The study also said a higher probability of heavy drinking was associated with being unmarried, having less than a high school education, an annual income below the median, and not living in the Southeastern United States. Heavy drinking also declined faster among those who got married or quit smoking between follow ups.