{
  "abstract": "Background Alcohol consumption presents a health risk for women, with older women being an understudied group in public health research. While extensive research has explored the alcohol-related experiences of younger and midlife women, little attention has been given to how older women conceptualise alcohol consumption within their daily lives. The alcohol industry has capitalised on social and cultural norms to reinforce drinking as a normalised activity, yet there remains a gap in understanding how these dynamics specifically affect older women.Methods This study examined the factors influencing how older Australian women (aged 60–88) perceive the role of alcohol in their lives. Data were drawn from an online qualitative survey with n=144 women, analysed using a reflexive thematic approach informed by sociological theories of risk and symbolic interactionism.Results Alcohol consumption was widely regarded as an accepted and normalised social activity embedded in Australian culture. Many participants viewed alcohol as a means of managing life transitions, such as retirement, and coping with emotional challenges, including loneliness and stress. Drinking was also integrated into daily rituals and routines, with wine being particularly associated with meal consumption and social bonding. Furthermore, participants framed their drinking behaviours within narratives of personal responsibility, often emphasising moderation and control while downplaying potential risks.Conclusion This research highlights the need for greater public health attention to the drinking behaviours of older women and the potential vulnerabilities they face, including industry influence on their alcohol-related beliefs and behaviours. Future research should explore targeted public health interventions that address the normalisation of alcohol consumption in older age and counter industry narratives that position drinking as a personal choice rather than a public health concern. Regulatory and policy measures should consider the unique social and cultural contexts shaping alcohol use in this demographic, ensuring that older women are not overlooked in alcohol harm prevention strategies.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia"
      ],
      "name": "Simone McCarthy"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia"
      ],
      "name": "Hannah Pitt"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia"
      ],
      "name": "Kelli Benjamin"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Cancer Council Western Australia, Perth, Australia"
      ],
      "name": "Julia Stafford"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Cancer Council Western Australia, Perth, Australia"
      ],
      "name": "Danica Keric"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia"
      ],
      "name": "Grace Arnot"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia"
      ],
      "name": "Samantha Thomas"
    }
  ],
  "title": "P93 Understanding older women’s drinking practices and public health implications",
  "uid": "6451787b-3c5a-5489-aa28-be838e933c1d"
}