Aged shun booze risk

MIDDLE-AGED drinkers care more about whether their habit harms their image rather than their health.

Research has found older age groups drink in a way that allows them to carry out their responsibilities and believe as long as they are not slurring, and stumbling their health is unaffected. The study found many people ignored recommended drink limits and were influenced by factors such as respectability. In the UK, mean alcohol consumption is highest for men aged 55 to 64 years and women aged 45 to 54.