'Women my age tend to drink -- it's normal'. New research has found that despite the potential health risks of exceeding national drinking guidelines, many middle-aged and young-old women who consume alcohol at high risk levels tend to perceive their drinking as normal and acceptable, so long as they appear respectable and in control. Source 5w.
Alcoholism usually depends on the individual, really. Mostly on the psychological aspects since many just simply wishes to drown their lives' struggles and try to have some enjoyment; although I wouldn't deny that there is a frequency of ages and gender involved.