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Retirees are more likely to experience symptoms of depression compared to those still in the workforce, and new research suggests that heavy drinking may exacerbate these symptoms. A long-term study involving tens of thousands of adults over 50 in the U.S. has revealed that retirement can contribute to an increase in depressive symptoms, with alcohol consumption playing a significant role.
Published in the Aging & Mental Health journal, the study tracked participants over a 14-year period to explore the relationship between retirement, depression, and alcohol use. The findings present a nuanced picture, highlighting how binge drinking can worsen depressive symptoms, while moderate drinking may reduce them.
The Link Between Retirement and Depression
On average, retirees showed slightly more depressive symptoms—0.04 more symptoms—than their working counterparts. The study, which analyzed data from 27,575 participants in the Health and Retirement Study, found that those who engaged in binge drinking were particularly vulnerable, exhibiting 0.07 more depressive symptoms on average compared to non-drinkers. On the other hand, those who drank in moderation—one to three drinks a day for women, one to four for men—reported fewer depressive symptoms (0.09 fewer on average) than those who abstained entirely.
This suggests that while moderate drinking may offer some emotional benefits during the transition to retirement, binge drinking only compounds the mental health challenges many retirees face. Researchers speculate that the changes in routine, loss of identity, and potential economic stresses associated with retirement could contribute to mental health declines, with some retirees turning to alcohol to cope.
The Role of Alcohol
The study, led by experts from Universidad Mayor in Santiago, Chile, and Simmons University in Boston, also emphasizes the importance of understanding how alcohol use interacts with aging. Older adults process alcohol differently than younger people, making them more susceptible to its negative effects, especially when combined with underlying health conditions or medications.
Dr. Christina Sellers, Associate Professor at Simmons University, underscores the need for support systems to help retirees navigate the transition into post-work life. “Providing alternative coping mechanisms to heavy alcohol consumption is crucial,” says Dr. Sellers. “Addressing the combination of depressive symptoms and alcohol use is vital, especially considering older adults’ increased vulnerability to alcohol’s adverse effects.”
Moderate Drinking and Socialization
The study also notes that moderate drinking in retirement might have psychological benefits, such as facilitating social interactions, which could alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness. However, the researchers caution against seeing alcohol as a solution, as regular drinking increases the risk of falls, dependency, and other health issues.
Dr. Antonia Diaz-Valdes of Universidad Mayor warns, “Drinking alcohol increases the risk of falls and other injuries and can lead to dependency—and the poor health that typically comes with it.” She further emphasizes that no amount of alcohol is without risk, citing World Health Organization guidelines, which state that even light or moderate drinking can contribute to alcohol-related cancers.
The Need for Support Systems
The study’s authors stress that retirees should have access to comprehensive mental health support and interventions aimed at managing alcohol consumption. The paper calls on policymakers to prioritize resources that assist retirees in managing the transition into retirement, offering healthier coping strategies and reducing reliance on alcohol.
Experts suggest that depression screenings and assessments of alcohol use among older adults should become routine, given the mental and physical risks tied to drinking in later life. By addressing these challenges proactively, society can ensure that retirees are supported in adjusting to this significant life change in a healthier, more sustainable way.
The study’s limitations include the inability to differentiate between semi-retirement and full retirement and the potential for participants to underreport their alcohol consumption. However, the findings make it clear that addressing mental health and alcohol use in retirees is critical to improving their overall well-being.
Source: Diaz-Valdes, A., et al. Testing the mediating mechanism of alcohol use on the association between retirement and depressive symptoms in the United States, Aging & Mental Health, 2025. DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2024.2423262.
