over 50 & retired males at risk of booze problems
study shows older adults more likely to binge
MEN who are over 50 and retired are more likely to have a boozing problem, research has found.
The study carried out by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland suggests “older adults remain vulnerable to alcohol-related harm”.
It revealed more than half of middle-aged males binge drink and 22% of females over 50 have also been reported to booze heavily.
Men and women who are highly educated consume alcohol more frequently while retired men are “significantly more likely” to binge drink.
A total of 4,295 adults were surveyed in the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing and while they found a decline in the average weekly intake of drink by over 50s, both men and women were drinking more frequently.
Retirement was a trigger for bingeing and “those who were retired throughout the observation period were significantly more likely to engage in heavy episodic drinking relative to those in continual employment.”
It was also suggested retired people go to more parties and social gatherings than those in employment which would explain the increased alcohol consumption.
Alcohol Action Ireland said it was very concerned with the study findings.
A spokesman added: “This continued high-risk engagement with alcohol has a significant impact on health outcomes and quality of life years.
“Alcohol misuse increases a risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke and heart conditions which may increase the risk of vascular dementia.”
He also warned of the challenges as the “newer” drinking generation ages.
The spokesman said: “Ireland faces a significant demographic challenge over the coming decades, with an expanding population and a longerliving, older age cohort.”
He added that helping these people was already demanding on AAI and that “adding the impact of complex alcohol-related harms” will make it far more difficult for carers, families and the capacity of our social care services.
A previous study found people returned to their pre-retirement alcohol habits after four to eight years.
A total of 52% of adults were shown to drink heavily, while our US counterparts were far less likely to binge.
The study said: “These estimates reflect the fact the EU region has the highest level of alcohol consumption in the world, with Ireland having the fifth-highest level in Europe.”