Statistics within the United States indicate that the fastest growing segment of the population is among older adults. According to the United States Census Bureau, in the year 2000, there were an estimated 35 million people in the United States who were age 65 or older (Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics, n.d.). This proportion of older adults accounts for approximately 13% of the total population. Within the United States, the number of individuals under the age of 65 has tripled within the 20th Century. During this same time frame the number of persons who are age 65 or older has increased eleven fold.
             There have been estimates that by the year 2030, older adults will comprise one-fourth or 25% of the United States population, more than double the current rate (Adams & Cox, 1995; Fleming, Manwell, Barry, Adams, & Stauffacher, 1999). The "baby boom" generation will begin to turn sixty-five in the year 2011, which will account for most of the growth between 2010 and 2030. According to the Census Bureau's "middle series" projections, the number of older adults will increase by an average of 2.8% annually during this time period (United States Department of Commerce, Economics, & Statistics Administration, 1995).
             One major area of concern involves identifying and understanding the etiology and maintenance of alcohol use among the older adult population. Although alcohol problems tend to decrease with age and appear less prevalent among older adults than younger adults, there is increasing evidence that alcohol problems among older adults are
             growing and represent a significant public health concern (Adams & Cox, 1995). Gallo and Lebowitz (1999) suggested that alcohol consumption is common among older adults, with approximately 10 to 20% of the older adults drinking alcohol on a daily basis. Many researchers have reported that alcohol use among older adults may have more severe adv...