Alcohol consumption and disability-free life expectancy in the US

Alcohol consumption has been identified as a significant risk factor for health and mortality. However, it remains unclear how many years are lived by individuals with various drinking groups and how many of these years are disability-free. A study published in the journal, Alcohol, examined the association between alcohol consumption and total life expectancy and disability-free life expectancy.
Incidence-based multistate life tables (MSLTs) were used to estimate Total life expectancy and Disability-free life expectancy by gender and alcohol consumption for individuals aged 50 years and over from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS, 1998-2018).
The study results indicate a statistically significant association between alcohol consumption and Total life expectancy and disability-free life expectancy, and gender differences are observed. The quantity of drinks consumed per occasion is more influential than the frequency of drinking days regarding health and mortality. Binge drinking is associated with reduced Total life expectancy and disability-free life expectancy, especially for women.
The study provides additional evidence for consideration in gender-differentiated guidelines. Policies discouraging binge drinking and promoting responsible consumption are crucial. The observed gender differences necessitate tailored approaches and interventions addressing the challenges faced by women regarding alcohol consumption.
Source: Chiu CT, Chen CA. Alcohol consumption and disability-free life expectancy in the United States. Alcohol Alcohol. 2025 Nov 16;61(1):agaf070.
doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agaf070