Alcohol limits for pensioners should be slashed to protect their ageing bodies and minds, doctors said last night.
They favour an upper limit of 1.5 units a day for men – little more than half a pint of beer, which is much lower than the current recommendation of three to four units a day.
For women over 65, the limit should be lowered from two to three units a day - equivalent to a glass of wine - to possibly just one (a single vodka and coke).
New limits: Experts have suggested that over 65s should lower their alcohol intake to protect their ageing bodies and minds
The combination of a growing use of alcohol and the ageing population is creating a generation of ‘hidden addicts’ who urgently need help, a report by the Royal College of Psychiatrists warns.
A third of older people with alcohol problems develop them later in life due to issues ranging from the strain of bereavement to the boredom of retirement.
Dr Tony Rao, a consultant in old-age psychiatry and one of the report’s authors, said: ‘As we age, there are other accompanying factors such as increasing memory problems and physical health problems and less of an ability to get rid of alcohol from the blood stream.
‘This means that the effect of what we would currently call the safe limits is actually more damaging for older people.’
The ageing body contains less water and more fat, meaning smaller amounts of alcohol can do more damage.
The liver takes longer to break down the poisons in alcohol, meaning they linger for longer in the body.
Finally, the brain is more rapidly affected, raising the risk of problems with memory, co-ordination and falls and fractures.
The report warns that growing alcohol and drug misuse among the ‘baby boomer’ generation is creating a ‘burgeoning public health problem’.
The taking of illegal drugs and the misuse of prescription and over-the-counter medicines has become more prevalent among the over-40s in recent years and many of these people are expected to maintain these habits as they age.
Recommendations include screening by GPs for substance misuse among the over-65s as part of a routine health check and a public campaign targeted at older people.
Ilana Crome, professor of addiction psychiatry and chairman of the working group, said: ‘We hope this report highlights the scale of the problem, and that the multiple medical and social needs of this group of people are not ignored any longer.’
Don Shenker, of Alcohol Concern, said: ‘We should remember that older people often turn to alcohol in later life as a coping mechanism and this can remain stubbornly hidden from view.’
The Department of Health said: ‘Alcohol misuse is a major public health issue, no matter what age you are.
‘We are already taking action to tackle problem drinking, including plans to stop supermarkets selling below cost alcohol and working to introduce a tougher licensing regime.
‘However, individuals have responsibilities too and everyone should drink responsibly within the recommended alcohol limits.
‘All advice is kept under review. We welcome any addition to the evidence base in this area and will consider this report carefully.’
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Slash drinking limits for the over-65s to protect their bodies and minds, say doctors
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