‘Ageing with an alcohol problem is not what I envision’: reclaiming agency in shaping personal ageing trajectory and recovery from alcohol problems

Abstract

Background: Eliciting and understanding older persons’ descriptions of their resources for healthy ageing and the interaction of these resources with alcohol use and alcohol problems can facilitate health promotion. It can also inform clinicians when identifying areas of recovery capital that present risks and strength for older people seeking alcohol treatment. The objective of this study was to illuminate the experiences and perspectives of older persons on ageing, alcohol use, treatment, and recovery from alcohol problems, as well as their understanding of healthy ageing. Methods: Eight men and two women, aged 61 to 73 years, with moderate drinking as a treatment goal and treated at an outpatient alcohol clinic in Sweden, participated in semi-structured audio-recorded virtual interviews. A qualitative content analysis examined the transcribed interviews. Results: Three themes were identified: “Tipping the balance”, “Staying behind a veil” and “Lifting the vail”. First, participants understood healthy ageing as a personal and multidimensional process that involved actively expanding, maintaining or adjusting to the resources needed to lead an active and meaningful life while preserving autonomy, dignity and independence for as long as possible. Second, most participants viewed moderate alcohol use as a contributor to healthy ageing. They sought treatment when their drinking became unsustainable and an immediate threat to their healthy ageing resources. Stigma, ambivalence and a lack of treatment options, however, contributed to delayed treatment. Third, the participants responded to treatment approaches that elicited their concern, incorporated their expertise and treatment and life goals, appreciated their autonomy and agency, and considered them partners in goal setting and decision making. Reduced drinking helped participants regain their agency and improved their healthy ageing capital which in turn catalyzed continuing recovery. Conclusions: Older persons in non-abstinent recovery perceive healthy ageing and alcohol recovery as personal and interacting multidimensional processes involving their agency to improve biopsychosocial functioning. Treatment approaches that recognize older persons’ desire for healthy ageing, incorporate their treatment goals and respect their autonomy are likely to be acceptable and effective.