Of Finnish adults aged 65–84 years, 54% of females and 77% of males had consumed alcohol in the preceding year in 2007 [ 1–3]. Older adults are sensitive to the effects of alcohol as a consequence of the physiological changes associated with ageing, a high prevalence of diseases and the concomitant use of multiple drugs. Older adults also experience higher blood alcohol concentrations for a given amount of alcohol than younger adults due to changes in body mass [ 4].
Research on older people's use of alcohol has focused mainly on problem-drinking and consequent health problems [5, 6]. However, there is also public awareness about the possible health promoting effects of moderate alcohol consumption demonstrated in epidemiological studies [ 7–13]. Alcohol has been used throughout history for medicinal purposes; since antiquity, wine has been believed to stimulate appetite and digestion [ 14].
Very few studies are available on how older people perceive the health effects of alcohol, and how they use alcohol for medicinal purposes [ 15]. The aim of this study was to investigate the medicinal use of alcohol by individuals aged 65 years and older. We investigated (i) the prevalence of alcohol consumption as self-medication, (ii) associated factors and (iii) the reasons for which alcohol is used to self-medicate.
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