Boozy Pensioners Face Health Risks

Glass half full: Pensioners urged to cut down on drinking. Photo - BCB

Pensioners need to drink less, according to a report published today by The Royal
College of Psychiatrists into the drinking habits of older adults.

The report highlights that people over the age of 65 are more likely to experience ill affects over a long period of time. In addition to this pensioners are likely to drink quicker. It recommends that people over the current pension age drink only a half pint of beer or a small glass of wine each day.

The Royal College’s report also notes that older bodies are not able to process alcohol effectively, and that drinkers may also be taking different types of medication which the alcohol can react badly with.

It states that current advice on drinking levels (14 units for women and 21 for men) is based on advice for younger adults. The report describes older adults as 'invisible addicts' in society, with those who experience problems often going through significant life changes such as retirement or bereavement, which can lead to feelings of loneliness or depression and drinking more.

Alcohol misuse can lead to problems such as increased risk of stroke, memory loss, hypertension, memory loss, confusion, withdrawal fits, confusion and depression, or hallucinations. The signs and symptoms necessary for a diagnosis are the same as for a group of younger adults. However there are significant differences in the death rate of untreated alcohol symptoms which is higher by 10 to 15 percent in older adults.