Alcohol warning for older drinkers

Researchers said alcohol interventions were not working for older people

Many older people are damaging their health by drinking too much, north-east of England researchers have warned.

Newcastle and Sunderland University academics explored why people aged 65 to 90 drank above recommended levels.

They spoke to 53 North East men and women in the age group to learn more about their attitudes to alcohol.

The researchers have called for changes to the recommended safe drinking levels for people in the age group and for there to be specific alcohol advice.

The researchers, who carried out interviews and focus groups, said many people did not recognise themselves as heavy drinkers.

Dr Graeme Wilson, from Newcastle University's Institute of Health and Society, said: "Many older people are drinking to a level that is having a long-term impact on their health, even if the damage they are doing is not always immediately apparent."

BBC News - Alcohol warning for older drinkers from North East researchers