Health trends show rising alcohol use in older Americans and strokes in younger adults

Recent studies highlight diverging health trends among different age groups in the United States. According to research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, alcohol consumption is declining among younger generations. Specifically, Gen Z and Millennial cohorts have seen a decrease in overall drinking and heavy drinking between 2022 and 2024.

In contrast, older Americans aged 50 to 64 have shown an increase in alcohol use. Since 2018, heavy drinking in this age group has spiked by more than one third. Researchers noted that while overall drinking levels have dropped slightly since the pandemic, use remains above pre-pandemic levels for certain demographics.

Separately, researchers at the University of Cincinnati have identified a concerning rise in stroke rates among younger adults. Data indicates that the stroke rate for individuals under the age of 55 has substantially increased compared to the early 1990s. While medical advancements have decreased stroke-related mortality overall, the incidence of strokes in younger populations is rising, a trend that scientists say requires urgent investigation to understand the underlying causes.