The phenomenon of retirement leading to increased signs of depression, compared to those still employed, and the complicating role of alcohol consumption are detailed in a new study involving over 50,000 participants over the age of 50 in the U.S. This extensive research spanning 14 years and published in the peer-reviewed journal Aging and Mental Health, sheds light on the intricate dynamics between retirement, mental health, and alcohol use.
The study finds that binge drinking exacerbates depressive symptoms in retirees, contrasting sharply with the effects seen in those who drink moderately. According to the research, moderate drinkers displayed fewer depressive symptoms than those who abstained entirely from alcohol. This subtle nuance highlights the complex relationship between alcohol consumption and mental health in the context of retirement.
Dr. Christina Sellers, an Associate Professor of Social Work at Simmons University, emphasizes the importance of providing retirees with alternatives to heavy drinking as a coping mechanism. She points out the necessity of addressing both depressive symptoms and alcohol use among older adults, especially given their increased susceptibility to the adverse effects of alcohol and other underlying health conditions. This dual focus is crucial, considering that past studies have noted a rise in depressive states among the older population, alongside an increase in drinking around the time of retirement. Notably, data from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicates that alcohol consumption is significantly higher among the baby boomer generation, with a notable percentage of those aged 60-64 and 65 and above engaging in binge drinking.
The interplay between mental health and alcohol use in the context of retirement has been ambiguous until now. To address this gap, researchers from Universidad Mayor in Santiago, Chile, and Simmons University in Boston, USA, embarked on the first study to explicitly examine the relationship between retirement, depression, and alcohol consumption. Their analysis, which relied on data from 27,575 participants of the Health and Retirement Study, offers a comprehensive look at how post-retirement changes influence mental health and drinking behaviours.
Participants in the study, who were either retired or not (including those semi-retired), showed an average of 1.4 symptoms of depression out of a possible eight. Those retired reported slightly more symptoms, with an average difference of 0.04 more than their working counterparts. Notably, retirees who engaged in binge drinking reported even more depressive symptoms, with an average increase of 0.07 symptoms compared to non-drinkers. Conversely, those who drank moderately experienced fewer depressive symptoms, averaging 0.09 fewer than those who abstained from alcohol.
The findings suggest that the loss of identity, economic challenges, and changes to routines and social networks that accompany retirement can lead to deteriorating mental health. The researchers warn of the risks associated with turning to alcohol as a coping strategy during this transitional phase. They highlight the detrimental effects of alcohol on older adults, who may not process it as effectively as younger individuals and might be taking medications that could interact with alcohol.
Dr Antonia Diaz-Valdes, from Universidad Mayor in Santiago, Chile, sheds light on why moderate drinking might appear to be associated with fewer depressive symptoms, suggesting that alcohol’s socialization aspect could temporarily enhance mood. However, she strongly cautions against regular alcohol consumption as a means of coping with retirement, pointing out the risks of falls, injuries, and the potential for dependency and associated health declines.
The World Health Organisation has underscored that no level of alcohol consumption is beneficial for health, with research indicating that even light or moderate drinking can contribute to alcohol-related cancers. Dr. Diaz-Valdes concludes by emphasizing the importance of screening older adults for depression and assessing their alcohol intake. She advocates for providing healthier alternatives to alcohol for those adjusting to retirement.
In conclusion, the study calls for policymakers to focus on supporting individuals through the retirement transition and to implement interventions that manage alcohol consumption effectively. However, the study also acknowledges certain limitations, such as the challenges in distinguishing between types of retirement and the potential inaccuracies in self-reported alcohol consumption.
More information: Antonia Diaz-Valdes et al, Testing the mediating mechanism of alcohol use on the association between retirement and depressive symptoms in the United States using generalized mixed effect models, Aging & Mental Health. DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2024.2423262
Journal information: Aging & Mental Health Provided by Taylor & Francis Group
