Alcohol and older adults in New Zealand: A literature review

The Health Promotion Agency (HPA) and the Accident Compensation Corporation of New Zealand (ACC) funded and commissioned this literature review to:

• gain a fuller understanding of the impact of alcohol on the growing number of older
  adults in New Zealand
• identify knowledge gaps and future research
• inform future policy and practice interventions to reduce alcohol-related harm among
  older adults.

The review brings together literature and data on alcohol and older adults from a variety of New Zealand sources. Findings from selected overseas studies are also included. Sources include review articles (some systematic), epidemiological studies, national and local population surveys, in-depth qualitative studies, published guidelines, health education resources and websites of health and social service organisations.

Topics covered include:

• size, composition, living circumstances and wellbeing
• alcohol consumption patterns
• factors influencing patterns of use
• links between alcohol, ageing and health
• interventions for preventing or reducing harm.