Warning as survey shows retired people drink more

Published on Monday 13 July 2009 22:00

PEOPLE are turning to drink after retirement, despite the risks to their health, a new poll has suggested.

The survey of more than 800 people over the age of 60 found 13 per cent drank more now they had retired.

Of these, almost 19 per cent said they drank alcohol because they were depressed, while 13 per cent did so to deal with bereavement. Some 12 per cent said they most often drank when they were alone.

A separate poll of more than 2,000 adults found one in ten was worried about the amount of alcohol drunk by a friend or family member aged 60 or over.

The London-based alcohol and drug charity Foundation66, which commissioned the research, said there was an epidemic of "late onset" alcohol misuse among over-60s.

Research has shown that the number of older people drinking and ending up in hospital as a result is on the rise.

Sally Scriminger, the chief executive of Foundation66, said: "

Without urgent intervention, this will become a major issue, costing the NHS and our society a great deal."