'Women my age tend to drink -- it's normal'

New research has found that despite the potential health risks of exceeding national drinking guidelines, many women aged 50 to 69 who consume alcohol at high risk levels tend to perceive their drinking as normal and acceptable, so long as they appear respectable and in control.

Key findings:

• Women place more importance on appearing to be in control, behaving respectably, social pleasure and feeling liberated than the quantity of alcohol consumed or potential health risks.
• While some women reported reducing their drinking due to health concerns, others suggested that positive health behaviours such as exercise served to 'neutralise' alcohol-related health risks.
• Health advice and interventions relating to middle-aged and young-old women's drinking practices need to acknowledge that women may socially construct their drinking practices to prioritise matters other than biomedical impacts of alcohol.

Read the full summary of the research.

How can we promote "healthier"alcohol consumption for women aged 50 to 69?