Retirement may bring freedom, but it also casts a shadow. A sweeping new study tracking tens of thousands of Americans over 50 has revealed that retirees are more prone to depression than their working counterparts—and heavy drinking could amplify their struggles. Published in the respected journal Aging and Mental Health, the study spans 14 years of data, unraveling a deeply complex and sobering reality for those entering their golden years.
Results highlight that binge drinking appears to increase symptoms of depression when compared to those who do not drink at all. However, those who drink in moderation appear to have fewer symptoms of depression than those who abstain completely.
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Overall, the authors of the research say it is vital that people are given support when they retire to prevent them from turning to heavy alcohol use to help them adjust to the change.
“Providing alternative coping mechanisms to heavy alcohol consumption for retirees is crucial,” explains Dr. Christina Sellers, Associate Professor of Social Work, Simmons University.
“Addressing the combination of depressive symptoms and alcohol use among older adults is crucial too, especially considering their increased vulnerability to the negative effects of alcohol and underlying health conditions.”
Prior research suggests a rising trend of depression among older adults. Studies also show increased alcohol consumption around retirement, particularly among baby boomers, who are now nearing retirement age and drink more than previous generations. The 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that 20% of Americans aged 60–64 and 11% of those 65 and older engage in binge drinking. However, the impact of retirement on mental health (whether it improves or declines) remains unclear, as does the role of alcohol in mediating this relationship.
o find out more, experts from Universidad Mayor, in Santiago, Chile, and Simmons University, in Boston, USA carried out the first study examining the relationship between retirement, depression, and alcohol use.
They analysed data from 27,575 participants of the Health and Retirement Study, a longitudinal study in which a nationally representative sample of men and women aged 50 and above in the U.S. are questioned about their lives every two years for an average of 14 years.
Alcohol use was measured by asking the participants if they drank alcohol and, if they did, how many drinks they typically had on days that they drank.
Symptoms of depression were measured by asking questions such as whether they had felt sad over the past week or if everything had been an effort.
Participants were identified as either not retired (this included those who were semi-retired) or retired.
