Which assessment findings would alert the nurse that an older patient may have an increased risk for development of geriatric alcohol abuse? (Select all that apply.)

A) Mild recent memory impairment
B) Eighth grade education
C) Death of spouse
D) Retirement
E) Loneliness

The geriatric problem drinker begins drinking in later life, often in response to stressors such as retirement, loss of spouse, and loneliness. Once the demands of job, career, and care of a family and household are gone, the structure of daily life is disrupted. Mild cognitive impairment is not a predisposing factor in the development of geriatric problem drinking. Other risk factors include less than a high school education, smoking, low income, and male gender.