Alcohol misuse among the over-60s is a much larger problem than previously thought by many people, the charity Alcohol Concern has warned.
It has published a handbook designed to offer advice on the issue, detail safe drinking levels, and help older people understand their limits.
The charity has estimated that around 23 per cent of men and 8 per cent of women in Britain over the age of 60 – some two million people – endanger their health by regularly drinking above the recommended guidelines.
More than 2.5 million people drink at least five days a week, it added.
Many older people under-estimate their drinking, regarding some alcoholic drinks as simply “medicinal”.
Acting chief executive Richard Phillips said: “Moderate drinking does have its benefits for older people, but as you get older alcohol has stronger and longer lasting effects.”
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