Women aged 50-70 are more likely than younger women to exceed low-risk drinking guidelines—and many view this as perfectly acceptable.
Research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) reveals that, despite the health risks of surpassing national guidelines, midlife women often perceive their high-risk alcohol consumption as normal and respectable, especially when it feels controlled.
The study explored alcohol use among 49 women aged 50-69 in Denmark and Australia. Australian health authorities warn that more than two standard drinks daily significantly raises the lifetime risk of premature death.
Key findings:
Controlled and acceptable drinking
Dr. Dare, lead researcher, noted the normalization of alcohol use among women in both countries.
"Respondents from both countries indicated that alcohol consumption among women their age was normal and acceptable," she said.
One respondent commented:
"It's become part of the norm… It's something we do with our acquaintances, friends and family. That's just something we do" (D8, age 59).
"However, the importance of 'staying in control' while drinking emerged as an important determinant of the social acceptability of drinking," said Dr. Dare.
Another respondent said:
"As long as they (women) don't fool themselves, they don't want to fall and show their underpants" (A9, age 69).
Cultural differences
While Australian and Danish women shared many views, Australian women uniquely linked alcohol to stress relief.
"If the Australian women had any kind of fear in their lives, they believed it was acceptable to drink. They were quite open about this saying, 'I was just having a bad day, I needed a drink,'" said Dr. Dare.
"Danish women were not the same. They reported that it was not 'acceptable' to drink when they were upset. They believed that you should not use alcohol as a refuge to cope," she said.
