Ann Arbor Times

Older couples are encouraged to examine their drinking habits, as a new study from the University of Michigan suggests that a partner's alcohol consumption can significantly impact health outcomes. The research, published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, highlights the importance of not only individual drinking levels but also how similarly or differently couples consume alcohol.

The study found that older different-sex couples who both engage in light to moderate drinking initially report better self-rated health. However, over time, these couples may experience sharper declines in health compared to those with mismatched drinking patterns or who rarely drink. Light drinking is defined as about one drink per day, while moderate drinking is roughly two drinks daily.

“This research shows that health is affected by both the individual and their partner’s drinking,” stated Angela Turkelson from the U-M Institute for Social Research. She noted that couples who both drank moderately rated their health highly at first but eventually saw declines similar to those with differing drinking habits.

The findings indicate that women in mismatched drinking relationships—where typically the husband drinks more—reported more chronic health issues than women whose partners drank lightly or moderately. Wives who drank lightly alongside husbands who did likewise reported better health outcomes than those whose husbands consumed alcohol heavily. This pattern was not observed among men.

Husbands in mismatched relationships did not show an increase in chronic health problems compared to those in similar light or moderate drinking partnerships.

Researchers tracked nearly 10,000 couples aged 50 and older over 24 years, noting that established drinking habits could influence health outcomes differently. “Spouses can have a significant influence on each other’s habits and health over time,” said co-author Kira Birditt from the U-M Institute for Social Research’s Survey Research Center.

The study suggests healthcare providers should offer guidance tailored to couples' ages and situations, considering whether they have similar or different drinking habits for effective support. “Policymakers should take into account the complexity of how couples drink together—and how these patterns differently affect health outcomes,” Turkelson added.

Future research will explore factors such as socioeconomic status and relationship quality on couple's drinking patterns, along with examining whether joint or separate consumption affects relationship dynamics and overall well-being.