Lifetime drinking patterns of elders from a general population survey.

A telephone survey was conducted of 2325 residents of Erie County, New York, over age 59. Late-onset heavy drinking proved to be relatively rare. Most who were heavy drinkers when younger had attenuated their drinking. Drinking patterns from earlier in life were the best predictors of current drinking, with health-oriented lifestyle showing some effect. Stress was not related to drinking among older persons.