Charity highlights epidemic of 'late onset problem drinking' in older people

Every day it seems the newspapers carry a headline on alcohol culture in Britain. These stories usually focus on binge-drinking youths. However, London-based alcohol and drug charity Foundation66 is widening the focus on problem drinking by highlighting the growing issue of alcohol misuse among the over 60s, who turn to drink after retirement.

A recent Foundation66-commissioned poll carried out by YouGov found that over one in eight (13%) over-60s drinks more after retiring. Of these, one in five (19%) uses alcohol because of depression, and one in eight (13%) drinks to deal with bereavement. The results also show that one in eight (12%) most often drinks alone, at home. The charity is now urging government to fund more services to adress the newly highlighted need.

Chief Executive of Foundation66, Sally Scriminger (pictured), explains: 'The older people we see with drink problems come from all walks of life. Many are retired professionals, who never had issues with alcohol in the past. They don't even have to leave home to buy alcohol - supermarket delivery services will bring it straight to their door. Because they don't fit the stereotypes people hold about alcohol misuse, and because they often keep their drinking hidden, they can be missed or their drinking misdiagnosed.'

Growing problem
The impact of the growing numbers of older problematic drinkers is being felt at the sharp end of NHS services. Pensioners accounted for 357,300 alcohol-related hospital admissions in England in 2007-8, a three quarter rise in five years. In addition, treating many standard health conditions is much more expensive in those with problematic drinking.

Late onset drinking
The largest group of these is what is known as 'late onset' drinkers, commonly drinking in response to bereavement, retirement or the deterioration of their general health. Foundation66 believes such individuals are likely to respond to traditional intensive interventions, so providers need to focus on strategies to combat isolation and the lack of appropriate social contact, as well as health promotion efforts.

Those most at risk
Amongst this group, some people are more at risk than others. They are:

• People at risk of falling or fracture
• Depression sufferers
• Dementia sufferers
• People with poor independent living skills and who are unable to take responsibility for their diet
• People suffering other acute medical problems, requiring ongoing pharmacological treatment.

Working in partnership
Over the last year, Foundation66 has been running pilot projects specifically targeting older problematic drinkers. Demand for these services, in the London boroughs of Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham, has revealed a huge hidden population that had no previous contact with specialist alcohol services.

The size, and continued growth, of the older population indicates that current specialist alcohol services will not be able to cope with the number of older people experiencing problems.

Since the majority of older people are already in contact with primary care, geriatric, home care or other services, working in partnership with these providers is likely to be the most effective way forward supporting older drinkers. Failure to do that will not only increase pressure on the NHS, but also lead to shortening the life expectancy of one of the most vulnerable sections of our society.

Sources of information and support
If you are concerned about the drinking of an elderly friend or someone you support there are a variety of organisations that can help.

The first port of call should be their GP or duty social work team. Many larger GP surgeries have specialist alcohol workers based in the surgery for a few hours a week, but you may have to make an appointment.

Contacting a duty social work team, either within older persons' services or substance misuse services, would put you in contact with a social worker, who will direct you towards most appropriate service in your area.

If you are worried about your own or someone else's drinking contact the national advice and information line: DRINKLINE on: 0800 917 82 82 or visit www.alcoholconcern.org.uk