The relationship between alcohol consumption and leisure in male residents of a retirement community

Until recently the problem of alcohol and other drug abuse among the elderly was only briefly addressed or overlooked in both the gerontological and alcohol literature (Atkinson, 1987; Minnis, 1988). Recent clinical studies, however, indicate that alcohol-related problems are an issue among the elderly (Douglass, 1982).;This study explored the concept of leisure and its relationship to alcohol consumption patterns in association with activities in retirement communities, Neulinger's (1986) definition of leisure was utilized to explore leisure as subjective and experienced in degrees. Bandura's social learning theory provided the framework to explore the influence of the environment on alcohol consumption, including the influence of others consuming alcohol on amount consumed, Because of a small sample size this analysis was not possible. Instead, a with-in subject design was used to determine if an association exists between alcohol consumption, location of activities, and alcohol consumption in relation to others consuming alcohol, and each leisure variable, perceived freedom, intrinsic motivation, and positive affect.;A time budget diary was used to collect data about hourly activities in relation to scores assigned for leisure concept experiences, alcohol consumption, the presence of others consuming alcohol, and location inside or outside the community.;Sixty-one diaries were ultimately returned to the investigator by mail. Of these, 26 were judged to be satisfactorily completed, providing the data for final analysis in the study. This number yielded a power of.8, an effect size of.30 at the.05 level of significance (Cohen, & Cohen, 1983).;The findings of this study lent support to the notion that there is a significant difference for retirees living in retirement communities in relation to activities involving alcohol consumption vs. activities not involving alcohol consumption. Perceived freedom and intrinsic motivation, the main variables reflecting leisure, were significantly associated with community-based activities (p ;Suggestions for future research and nursing practice were proposed.