The objective of this study was to explore patterns of alcohol consumption of older persons in Botswana and to identify sociodemographic correlates of hazardous drinking. This report is based on cross-sectional data from a sub-sample of a national representative sample of older persons. Twelve rural areas and three urban centers were visited. The sample comprised 372 individuals: 183 females and 189 males, ranging in age from 60 to 109 years. Almost two-thirds reported co-resident grandchildren in their household, and many were responsible for one or more orphans. Of the total study population, 42% were lifetime abstainers of alcohol, 24% former drinkers, 22% moderate drinkers (AUDIT 7 and below), and 12% hazardous drinkers (AUDIT 8 and above). Being male, having low socioeconomic status, and having no religious affiliation were found to increase the likelihood of being a moderate or a hazardous drinker. The most popular beverage was a low-cost, homemade sorghum beer; however, hazardous drinking was associated with higher intake of commercial beverages. The findings from this study imply that further research on alcohol consumption in Africa should include also older persons, as a significant number of older persons were found to drink alcohol at hazardous levels. Such drinking may impair their health and social functioning. This may be of importance, taking into account that the present HIV/AIDS epidemic implies that older persons increasingly end up as caretakers for children. The relationship between caregiver drinking and social outcomes for AIDS orphans needs to be further investigated.
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