"Mom, Isn't It Comfortable Living With Me?"... 'Unexpected Result' Shows Increased Drinking Out of Frustration

Higher Among Elderly Living with Children Without a Spouse

Eight Times Higher for Women Compared to Lowest Household Type

A recent survey has found that elderly individuals living with their children, but without a spouse, have a higher rate of risky drinking compared to other household types. The research team analyzed that it is necessary to consider family dynamics, such as conflicts or stress arising from cohabitation, together with these results.

According to the results of the "1st Panel Survey on the Work and Life of Korean Seniors," conducted by the Korea Labor Force Development Institute for the Aged on a total of 6,000 elderly men and women, the risky drinking rate among elderly women in households where they live with their children was found to be 3.2%.

While this figure is not high in itself, there was a considerable difference depending on household type. The lowest risky drinking rate among elderly women was found in households where elderly couples lived with their children, at just 0.4%. In comparison, the rate for elderly women living only with their children was eight times higher.

For women, according to the AUDIT-K, an alcohol dependence scale, a score of 6 to 9 out of 36 is classified as risky drinking, and a score of 10 or higher is defined as alcohol use disorder. A score of 5 or below is considered normal drinking.

Image of Soju to Aid Understanding of the Article. The Asia Business Daily DB

A similar trend was observed among elderly men. The risky drinking rate for elderly men living with their children was 40.4%, which was four times higher than the 10.1% observed in elderly couples living together.

The research team pointed out that cohabiting with children does not necessarily serve as a protective factor that reduces health risk behaviors. They emphasized the need to examine the family context, including conflicts or stress that may arise during the cohabitation process.

There were also differences depending on participation in economic activities. Among elderly men, the risky drinking rates were 11.7% for those engaged in economic activities and 11.4% for those not engaged, showing little difference. In contrast, among elderly women, the risky drinking rate was 2.1% for those participating in economic activities, more than double the 0.9% for those not participating.

The researchers analyzed that "for elderly women who are economically active, stress experienced during work or the job environment may be related to drinking behavior."

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