Line chart showing the percentage of different age groups who drink. The chart starts in 2001, when 72% of 18- to 34-year-olds were drinking, compared with 67% of 35- to 54-year-olds. 49% of those 55 and over were drinking in 2001. In the latest poll, held from 2021-23, 69% of 35- to 54-year-olds were drinking, while only 62% of 18- to 34-year-olds were. The number of those 55 and older who drink increased to 59%.