What's different about alcohol for older people?
By The Royal College of Psychiatrists’ - 15/12/2011
As we get older, our bodies change. It also means that we become more sensitive to the effects of alcohol. We also react more slowly and tend to lose our sense of balance.
So, even if we drink the same amount of alcohol, as we get older it is likely to affect us more than younger people.
How much is it safe to drink?
The more you drink, the more likely it is that alcohol will harm your health; BUT there are “sensible” levels of drinking which, for most people, are unlikely to be harmful. These are roughly:
- 14 units of alcohol a week for women
- 21 units for men
What are the risks of drinking too much?
Not everyone who drinks too much will develop health problems but, the more you drink for, the more likely you are to get such problems.
How might an older person develop an alcohol problem?
About a third of older people with drinking problems develop them for the first time in later life. Bereavement, physical ill-health, difficulty getting around and social isolation can lead to boredom and depression. Physical illness may be painful.
It can be tempting to use alcohol to make these difficulties more bearable. It may then become part of our daily routine and difficult to give up.
What do I do now?
If you think that you have an alcohol problem, talk to your doctor. If necessary they can arrange for you to have tests, see a counsellor, or refer you to an NHS alcohol team in your local area.
There are also a number of organisations offering free advice for alcohol problems.
Age UK
Aims to improve later life for everyone through information and advice, campaigns, products, training and research. Free national information line on 0800 169 6565.
Alcoholics Anonymous
National helpline: 0845 769 7555
Alcohol Concern
National agency on alcohol misuse campaigning for effective alcohol policy and improved services for people whose lives are affected by alcohol-related problems. Email: contact@alcoholconcern.org.uk
Drink Aware
Provides consumers with information to make informed decisions about the effects of alcohol on their lives and lifestyles.
Telephone 020 77669900
Foundation 66
Foundation 66 works with individuals, communities and policy makers to reduce the harm caused by problem alcohol and drug use. Email: info@foundation66.org.uk
Turning Point
Social care organisation which provides services for people with complex needs, including those affected by drug and alcohol misuse, mental health problems and those with a learning disability. Email: info@turning-point.co.uk
A full leaflet on alcohol and older people can be found on the website below.