Binge drinking is often framed as a college-age problem. A new study suggests it carries serious risks well into later adulthood.
Researchers from the University of Toronto analyzed data from more than 129,000 Canadian adults age 50 and older and found a graded association between binge drinking frequency and mortality risk over a 12-year follow-up period.
In the study, published in the journal Alcohol, binge drinking was defined as consuming five or more drinks on one occasion for men or four or more drinks for women. Among older adults who drank alcohol at least monthly, about 40% reported binge drinking at least once in the previous year and 8% reported binge drinking weekly or more.
After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, adults who never engaged in binge drinking had a 34% lower risk of death compared with those who binge drank weekly or more. Even after further adjusting for self-reported health, chronic illness, smoking, physical activity and mental health conditions, the difference remained significant. Those who never binge drank had a 19% lower mortality risk compared with weekly binge drinkers.
“Much of the research on binge drinking has focused on younger populations,” said Andie MacNeil, a PhD student at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto. “Our findings show that binge drinking among adults aged 50 and older is not only prevalent, but also associated with a meaningful increase in mortality risk. Older adults need to be included in prevention and screening efforts.”
The researchers also addressed a common challenge in alcohol research known as the “sick quitter” effect. In many studies, people who do not drink appear to have worse health outcomes because some stopped drinking due to illness.
Before statistical adjustments in this analysis, non-binge drinkers appeared to have higher mortality rates. After accounting for underlying health conditions and socioeconomic factors, that pattern reversed.
“Our analysis demonstrates the importance of accounting for underlying health and socioeconomic factors when examining alcohol-related risk,” said co-author Yu Lung, a PhD candidate at the same faculty. “Once those factors are considered, the elevated risk associated with frequent binge drinking becomes clear.”
The authors note that alcohol consumption was measured at a single point in time. Changes in drinking behavior over the follow-up period were not captured. As an observational study, the findings show association rather than direct causation.
Still, the large nationally representative sample and linkage to mortality records strengthen the evidence that frequent binge drinking may pose meaningful long-term risks for older adults.
“As Canada’s population ages, we must challenge the misconception that substance use in later life is less consequential,” said Esme Fuller-Thomson, professor and director of the Institute for Life Course and Aging at the University of Toronto. “Primary care providers and public health campaigns should ensure that older adults are not overlooked in conversations about binge drinking and its health impacts.”
The study did not report external funding. The authors declared no competing interests.