Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Why did abstinence from alcohol generally increase with age in the United States?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
alcohol consumption
Patrons in a beer garden during Oktoberfest, an annual festival held in Munich, Germany.
In the United States, research indicates that abstinence from alcohol generally increases with age. While the exact reasons for this trend are multifaceted, experts suggest it may be attributed to a combination of factors, including the influence of birth cohorts and a desire among former alcoholics to recover from their disorder.1
It is important to note that while this trend exists, it does not mean alcohol consumption ceases entirely among older populations; for instance, studies have shown that a portion of Americans aged 65 or older continue to engage in binge drinking.1