Senior citizens over the age of 60 are finding solace in that glass or wine or double martini more than they were two decades ago, according to a new study Coachella Valley residents might want to pay heed.
Drinking among older Americans is so prevalent that the author suggests it is a public health issue, especially as America’s aging population continues to grow.
The study, published online March 24 in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, suggests that the increased drinking will require more public health programming. So, keep your eye on Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, the world-renown addiction treatment center in Rancho Mirage.
The majority of U.S. older adults consume alcoholic beverages. The older population is projected to almost double by 2050. Substantially more drinkers are likely, especially in the Coachella Valley.
The Coachella Valley has relatively fewer younger residents, and more older people, according to the 2016 Greater Palm Springs Economic Report. Almost 45 percent of the population is 45 and older. Indian Wells has the highest share of people over the age of 65 (almost 60 percent), followed by Rancho Mirage (44 percent), Palm Desert (32 percent) and Palm Springs (27 percent).
