Media centre

Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said:

“These are shocking figures. People may find it particularly surprising that a higher proportion of the over 65s than any other age group drank every day of the week according to this survey.¹ These figures may be a further indication of problem drinking amongst the older population.

“With the focus on binge-drinking among younger people, excessive drinking amongst the older population is a somewhat hidden problem. Our research shows that problem drinking in this age group is often under-diagnosed. With numbers of older drinkers having risen substantially in recent years, Government efforts to reduce drinking should be targeting older age groups as well as younger people.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. Figures compiled from the General Household Survey 2006.The number of people over 65 drinking heavily is relatively low as a percentage for this age group - in large part because the proportion who are teetotal is high. However, 15% of people aged 65+ drank every day in the week preceeding the survey - a higher figure than for any other age group.

Useful facts:

• The Government advises a maximum intake of 2-3 units per day for women and 3-4 for men, with two alcohol-free days after heavy drinking. Small, daily amounts of alcohol can protect against coronary heart disease in older people.
• Alcohol can affect people differently as they grow older so the Department of Health recommended amounts may be too much, according to Alcohol Concern. There are particular concerns about interaction with medication.
• Despite drinking frequency decreasing in most age groups, there has been an increase in over 65s drinking.
• Age Concern research suggests that problem drinking in older people is under diagnosed.  Some of the symptoms of drinking such as forgetfulness and falls may wrongly be attributed to the ageing process.