Statistics show that approximately 10 percent of the senior population in America , approximately 2,500,000 citizens over the age of 60, have alcohol problems. These people have used alcohol excessively throughout their lives. The majority of this group does not live long enough to reach their senior years. Those who do survive a lifetime of heavy drinking comprise about two-thirds of older alcoholics. The second group consists of older people who first use alcohol as a temporary relief from their problems and later evolve into problem drinkers.
Most people adjust readily to the aging process.
They are healthier and more active today than ever before, and lead happy, productive retirement years. Older people who turn to excessive drinking do so because of several contributing factors. They sometimes begin to drink heavily because of a dramatic change in their lives, such as boredom with retirement. After many years of employment, they may lose a sense of identity because their role in society has drastically changed. Some turn to alcohol for comfort because they do not have enough money.