A new trend regarding alcohol consumption has emerged: in recent years, the popularity of alcohol among people under 40 has been declining, while the number of consumers aged 50 to 64 has increased. Furthermore, some individuals in this age group have started drinking more than before.
A new study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine shows that in the USA, the number of young people consuming alcohol is decreasing between 2022 and 2024, as youth are distancing themselves from alcohol after the coronavirus pandemic. According to the study, the proportion of people under 40 who consume alcohol was 66% in 2018, 69% in 2020, but dropped to 67% by 2024. The group of people under 40 also includes young people of Generation Z aged 26 to 30.
According to doctors, increased alcohol consumption in the 50 to 64 age group is a particular concern. At this age, the risk of developing diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, liver and heart diseases increases, and excessive alcohol consumption can exacerbate these risks.
The lead researcher of the study and a specialist in liver diseases, Dr. Brian P. Lee, notes that people in this age category experience a higher level of mental stress, which prompts them to resort to alcohol as a way to cope with this condition. This does not mean that stress levels among people under 40 have decreased, but rather that people over 50 are using alcohol to reduce their stress.
According to a report by The Guardian, some people perceive alcohol as a means of alleviating symptoms during stress, but this does not solve the problem. Over time, alcohol can become a habit for coping with stress, and its dosage may increase.
Therefore, if a person over 50 consumes alcohol or starts drinking more than before, it should not be ignored as merely a habit.