The objective ofthi.s .^itudy 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 havingno 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 M'as 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.