ALCOHOL USE AND HEALTH STATUS OF RURAL OLDER PERSONS IN IKOT OBONG EDONG, ITU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

This paper examined alcohol use, abuse, or disorder and its effect on the health status of older adults of 65+ in the rural community of Ikot Obong Edong, Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. To achieve the goal of this investigation, three (3) objectives were formulated and three (3) research questions were raised. However, the investigation guided by the research questions attracted an in-depth review of the literature. This was facilitated by the use of data from the previous research findings of experts in medical science, social gerontology, geriatric sciences, and sociology. In order to illustrate the views of other scholars, such theories as Disengagement, Wear and Tear, and Continuity were adopted and used. Findings revealed that older adults of 65+ enjoyed alcohol use with friends of the same age cohort, family members and
or in herbal treatment leading to addiction. Beyond this, alcohol consumption among rural older persons has aided various health challenges and triggered negative interactions with some medications. Again, most alcohol-induced health challenges are usually mistaken for old agerelated health problems. The paper recommends among others that older adults in that situation should interact with medical doctors often for counseling either for abstinence or moderation of
alcohol use.