Panorama - Old, Drunk and Disorderly

Commenting ahead of tonight's Panorama, in which Joan Bakwell looks at the drink habits of over-65s, Age Cymru's Health Initiatives Officer, Rhian Pearce says:

"Age Cymru welcomes Panorama's highlighting of alcohol overuse among the over-65s as this is often a hidden problem.

"We know that alcohol overuse is an issue 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 - often because of factors such as bereavement, social isolation or physical ill health.

"Alcohol misuse strategies and services in Wales are largely associated with concerns around binge drinking by young people, while older people's needs receive little focus.

"Age Cymru feels it is time that the Welsh Government  took a broader view of alcohol abuse in Wales and introduced services and support that are aimed specifically at dealing with the needs of the over 65s."

Panorama ‘Old, Drunk and Disorderly' is broadcast at 10.30 tonight on BBC One Wales.