An Alcohol Insight funded by Alcohol Research UK has explored alcohol problems and treatment needs need amongst older adults. The project found that evidence suggests a significant and growing number of older people are at risk of alcohol-related harm:
- 20% of men and 10% of women aged 65 and over exceed recommended drinking guidelines and 3% of men and 0.6% of women aged 65-74 are alcohol dependent.
- There has been a steady increase in the amount of alcohol consumed by older age groups in recent years.
- Consumption patterns suggest that the ‘baby-boomer’ cohort is likely to have higher levels of alcohol consumption in old age than previous cohorts of older people.
The Insight found alcohol problems are less likely to be detected in older people as a result of complex physical and social problems, including a lack of awareness amongst professionals in recognising alcohol misuse, or barriers for older people to access help. See the full report here.
However older drinkers are just as likely to benefit from intervention as younger drinkers, though approaches should focus on quality of life in addition to issues surrounding alcohol and aim to promote independence and reduce risk. The Insight recommends further understanding amongst health and social care staff and substance misuse practitioners into the complex factors affecting older adults and alcohol misuse. It also suggests further recognition by commissioners and prevention programmes that address risk factors and strengthen protective factors.
Earlier this year a report from the Royal College of Psychiatrists advised over 65's should not drink more than 1.5 units of alcohol a day, and separate recommended guidelines should be considered. An Alcohol Concern Wales briefing paper was released earlier this year and presentations from an alcohol and older people event are available here. See here for a RCP leaflet outlining the key alcohol issues and risks for older people.
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