Earlier this month a new BMC study analysing alcohol consumption through the lifecourse attracted headlines, although it supports generally known patterns of alcohol use amongst different age groups.
The study shows alcohol consumption typically rises significantly during adolescence, peaking at age 25 at an average of 20 units per week for men and 7 to 8 units for women. Alcohol consumption then declines and plateaus during mid-life, then falls further after 60, although daily drinking increases in later life and in men particularly.
The researchers said the study was the “first attempt to synthesise longitudinal data on alcohol consumption from several overlapping cohorts to represent the entire life course, and illustrates the importance of recognising that this behaviour is dynamic”.
However it confirms trajectories already largely known and demonstrated to some extent by national data like the Health Survey for England. Of course a wide range of considerations need to be recognised in generalising overall consumption patterns, such as significant regional variation or key issues such as the alcohol harm paradox.
The key question remains how this should influence alcohol policy, practice and future research. Whilst some broad targeting takes place through 'young people' and 'adult' treatment or prevention activities, limitations in evidence or resources means approaches taking account of 'life course' stages are arguably uncommon. However recognition of areas like 'older drinkers', 'drunken nights out', young people's use of social media and of course the significant shift to home drinking may all be considered relevant areas where recent or current research could be applied.
Indeed last year Alcohol Research UK hosted a conference on the life course theme - see videos and presentations here.
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