Sir Ian Gilmore, chair of the UK Alcohol Health Alliance, said that next week’s Panorama programme (10 September) will highlight the rarely publicised problems suffered by older drinkers:
Contrary to the public perception that alcohol abuse is more of a problem for young people, the media and political focus on young binge drinkers has effectively overshadowed the problems for older drinkers – hidden drinkers suffering hidden diseases. Older drinkers suffer from different medical conditions that are not always identified as being due to alcohol – for example, cancers and hypertension. These diseases are strongly linked to alcohol use, but practically never identified as such in individual people.
A minimum unit price (MUP) might well be more effective in the 65+ age group as this group is likely to be more price sensitive, and it is vital that the government doesn’t weaken on its stated commitment to introducing a MUP. The AHA has recommended that the MUP should be at least 50p. Older people would also benefit from expanded and improved alcohol treatment services, which are currently inadequate.
Dr Tony Rao, chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Clinical Practice Guidance Working Group for older people with substance misuse, re-inforced that the government needs to give closer consideration to developing accessible services for older people with alcohol misuse:
Older drinkers continue to experience considerable difficulties in seeking help for their drinking problems, many of whom have accompanying disorders such as depression and alcohol related brain injury. Such mental health problems are often overlooked but are associated with a poor quality of life. Alcohol misuse in older people remains stigmatising and debilitating and it is crucial that they are provided with opportunities to benefit from treatment and support to improve both their health and independence.
Find out more about the RCP's policy work relating to Alcohol and the Alcohol Health Alliance