NEW BOOKLET RAISES AWARENESS OF ALCOHOL ISSUES IN OLDER PEOPLE 
19 August 2008 

Symptoms dismissed as signs of old age could actually be signalling an issue with alcohol, which could lead to serious harm to New Zealand’s older population.

The Alcohol Advisory Council, ACC and Age Concern have just released a booklet called Alcohol and Older People - Information for older people, family, friends and carers to highlight the potential dangers alcohol has for the 65+ age group.

Alcohol can affect some people differently as they grow older because the body changes how it processes alcohol. Also, the combination of alcohol and prescription medication can have a sedating effect that can lead to an increased risk of accidents and injury.

“Experiencing problems related to alcohol has no age limit,” said ALAC’s Manager Early Intervention Sue Paton. “In older people, falls, loss of memory, confusion and shaking limbs may be written off as signs of ‘old age’ when in fact they can be linked to a drinking problem.”

ACC is involved in this project as they have an interest in reducing the amount of alcohol-related injuries suffered by this group.

“New Zealanders who are over 65 have a one in three chance of having a fall each year. That rises to one in two when they reach 80. And the sad fact is that these falls often lead to a loss of independence or even death,” said Jennifer Brown, ACC’s manager of public safety programmes.

“Caring for people in the 65+ age group who’ve had a fall costs New Zealanders around $11 million each year, and that’s just the financial cost via ACC. There are of course very significant social costs when people are hurt and not able to function in the same way. While some falls can be prevented by keeping active, tackling other contributing issues – such as alcohol – will help too.”

Carol Andrews, Professional Adviser at Age Concern New Zealand said alcohol problems amongst older people are often a taboo subject. ““Easy-to-read information like this will help older people, and families concerned about their alcohol use. They will feel less alone and more able to ask for support.” 

The booklet is aimed at older people as well as their family, friends and carers. It identifies symptoms that may indicate a problem with alcohol, such as:
 
• General decline in health
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Memory loss
• Depression and anxiety
• Falls or other injuries
• Stomach upsets
• Loss of appetite.

It also offers tips for older people to self-regulate their alcohol consumption, such as:

• Notice any increased effect that alcohol is having and adjust alcohol intake accordingly
• Check with the doctor or pharmacist whether drinking alcohol is safe with prescribed and over-the-counter medication
• Work out a personal weekly limit and stick to it
• Have no more than two standard drinks a day with, or before, a meal
• Have at least two alcohol-free days each week
• Avoid alcohol when feeling unwell, depressed, tired, or cold.

Copies of the resource can be ordered from ALAC's web site www.alac.org.nz or free phone 0508 258-258. Copies are also available from Age Concern at www.ageconcern.org.nz.