[aes256]

I've always hypothesised alcohol consumption is largely independent of income.

At both ends of the wealth spectrum you find people drinking far more alcohol than is healthy, just in different forms.

[danielweber]

Yes, but what group of people drinks exactly 1 drink a day?

I'm aware this could be a just-so story I've explained to myself.

[maaku]

I do. I usually have one glass of alcoholic drink with dinner (beer or wine, depending on the food). I don't often drink when I go out, except on special occasions.

[JshWright]

The fact that you 'go out' (especially often enough to distinguish between 'normal' occasions and 'special' occasions) puts you pretty firmly in the 'wealthy' class (at least as far as most of the world is concerned), and the other implications of your class will likely contribute to a longer life than someone who is less well off.

So, will you live longer _because_ you have one drink a day, or is the fact that you're able to have one drink a day simply a byproduct of a lifestyle that will naturally lead to a longer life?

[maaku]

Uh, no. "Go out" simply means "attend social event."

You're telling me that a young man in the poorest part of Africa doesn't "go out" with his buddies now and then?

[JshWright]

In the context, 'go out' clearly meant 'go out to meals at restaurants where alcoholic beverages are the social norm.'

Yes, I'm absolutely telling you that a significant portion of the world does not have the resources to do that (even 'now and then').