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Gen X is drinking more as younger Americans cut back on alcohol, study finds (www.theguardian.com)

submitted 1 day ago by MicroWave@lemmy.world to c/news@lemmy.world

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While younger generations are drinking less, adults aged 50 to 64 are drinking more, causing a shift reshaping the US bar scene

Alcohol consumption has decreased across the United States in recent years, particularly among adults under age 40, but there is one older demographic in which more people are drinking than before the Covid-19 pandemic – and more are doing so heavily, according to a new study.

For the first time since before the pandemic, the percentage of US adults who drink any alcohol decreased between 2022 and 2024, according to the report in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine. People from 50 to 64, which roughly corresponds with gen X, were the only age group in which drinking continued to increase.

They are likely hurting their health by imbibing, according to the latest science, but they are also helping keep open bars. Such businesses have struggled as younger generations, the drivers of nightlife, move away from booze.

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[-] sploder@lemmy.world 4 points 1 day ago

I’m going through this very thing right now. My dad is 67. In the late stage of dementia. Married an alcoholic and was with her for 10 years. I’d say for a good 6 or 7 of those he drank heavily. Dementia has kicked his ass. It’s so horrific and just last week we got news he’s showing rapid decline. Like overnight he just couldn’t stand or talk, medical tests ruled out a stroke, UTI etc etc. He’s bounced back a little but not much. I’m so mad. And sad.

[-] randompasta@lemmy.today 6 points 19 hours ago

I've been there. I'm so sorry for what you are going through. It is extremely difficult. I developed a set of rules for myself with my dad. I don't know if any of them will help you, but as I figured them out they helped me.

Never argue with him about something he forgot. It really doesn't matter that he may be wrong. His brain is failing him, so it is unfair to challenge him.
Small lies are OK. "Yes Dad, I'll see you tomorrow." when you won't see him for weeks. It comforted him in the moment and that's where he lives now. Tomorrow he will not remember what you had said.
No hospitals if at all possible. Especially no ER. They don't do well with dementia patients. Dad was strapped to a bed at night during Covid. They aren't equipped to deal with them and Dad was very confused. I stayed with him to try to help. It was the worst night of my life. He should have been home since his injuries were minor.
No cops. Should be obvious, but he tried to drag Mom 'home to keep her safe' and ended up hurting her. She had no option but to call them and me. The cops beat me there, had tackled him, put him in cuffs, and sent him to the hospital.
talk with him normally. He probably remembers a lot of your childhood. Just not what you said 3 minutes ago. It's ok.

It's all hard on everyone.

[-] sploder@lemmy.world 3 points 9 hours ago

Thank you for the reply. These rules are ones I learned to follow as well. I had to tell my siblings it’s okay if he’s saying he has to go to work tomorrow, that he’s caught a huge fish yesterday etc .. whatever it may be don’t correct him. They finally got the memo and things are smoother.

His primary doctor said he needed a colonoscopy and I said absolutely the hell not. I’ve had a few and they’re rough as fuck even when you’re fully capable of taking care of yourself. I told my siblings that was a non negotiable. No way is my dad being put through that, all the prep, leaving his safe space and being sedated? Insane.

I have a lot more common sense I guess you could say. Things come naturally to me on how to handle him with dignity. My brothers are kinda brash. They’ve learned to ask me how to handle things and it seems dad is happier and smiles more.

Sorry for the rambling. It’s just hard to deal with when it happens so early and you’re still young.

[-] randompasta@lemmy.today 2 points 9 hours ago

You aren't rambling. And good on you for saying no to the colonoscopy. You are absolutely correct. My mom never really learned the rules I figured out. She'd challenge him on asking who she was. Because sometimes he'd forget. It really upset her, which I get. The challenge upset him and that would lead to things going downhill. I don't think he necessarily knew who she was or I was specifically, but he knew that we were important to him. And honestly that's all that mattered. Stay strong, take breaks, take turns with family. It will be difficult. Don't wear yourself out.

this post was submitted on 26 Sep 2026

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