The thesis objective was to assess the prospective relationship of alcohol consumption to mortality and changes in mental and functional health in older adults ten years later. In a national population survey, 4,187 participants aged 50 years and older at baseline provided information on alcohol consumption, potential confounders, and follow-up vital status. Odds ratios were estimated for mortality, increase in psychological distress, and decline in functional health. Compared with lifelong abstainers, light and moderate drinkers were at non-significantly lower risk of mortality. Among survivors, alcohol consumption showed no consistent relationship with increase in psychological distress. Occasional and light drinkers had significantly reduced risk of a substantial functional health decline, while moderate drinkers had non-significantly reduced risk. Findings suggest that light-to-moderate alcohol consumption confers some health benefits in older adults.--P.ii.
