This report summarizes some of the more significant and interesting results which have been found to date from survey research. It also highlights gaps in our current knowledge, and suggests methods by which deficiencies in our understanding can be corrected. There are proportionally fewer current drinkers among older people than there are in the younger age categories. Alcohol is the most common drug used by older persons. The main reasons for consuming alcohol reported by older people is to be sociable.
Older individuals are much more likely to drink at home or with friends than other age groups.
Individuals in the older age categories are much less likely to report problems with alcohol than younger individuals. Older smokers are less likely to express the desire to quit and are less concerned with the health problems caused by smoking than younger smokers. Medications Use of medications for both sexes, although not common, tends to increase with age. Generally, older women use more medications than older men. Illegal Drugs Use of illegal drugs by seniors is extremely rare.