Alcohol strategies for over 50s needed
Published on 10 January 2011 12:30 PM
Wales' alcohol abuse strategies are failing to address the needs of over 50s, according to Age Cymru.
The warning comes ahead of a discussion by the National Assembly for Wales on Tuesday 11 January about programmes to tackle alcohol abuse.
Age Cymru's Health Initiatives Officer, Rhian Pearce says:
"Alcohol misuse strategies in Wales are largely associated with concerns around binge drinking by young people, while older people's needs receive little focus.
"Age Cymru wants the Welsh Assembly to take a broader view of alcohol abuse in Wales.
"Alcohol abuse is a problem for people of all ages, but it is more likely to go unrecognised among older people, with an estimated 1 in 6 older men, and 1 in 15 older women drinking enough to harm themselves.
"About a third of older people with drinking problems develop them in later life, and this is often because of factors such as bereavement, social isolation or physical ill health.
"Alcohol abuse among older people has also been shown to contribute to an increased risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and dementia, so there is a clear need for government action around this problem".