Press Release: Foundation66 Highlights epidemic of late-onset drinking
14 July 2009
For more information, case studies or to interview a spokesperson contact Marysia McSperrin or Kate Beard on 020 7700 6952 or email marysia@amazonpr.co.uk
CHARITY HIGHLIGHTS EPIDEMIC OF ‘LATE ONSET PROBLEM DRINKING’
- ONE IN EIGHT DRINK MORE AFTER RETIREMENT DESPITE RISKS
New research released today (14 July) by alcohol and drug charity Foundation66 highlights an epidemic of ‘late onset’ alcohol misuse among over-60s who turn to drink after retirement. The charity is urging government to widen its focus on problem drinking to fund more services to meet the need that exists among older people.
According to a Foundation66-commissioned poll carried out by YouGov, over one in eight (13%) over-60s drinks more after retiring. Of these, one in five (19%) uses alcohol because of depression, and one in eight (13%) drinks to deal with bereavement. The results also show that one in eight (12%) most often drinks alone, at home.
The dangers of alcohol are increased among older drinkers, particularly because of medication, frailty, and other health problems. Pensioners accounted for 357,300 alcohol-related hospital admissions in England in 2007-8, a three-quarter rise in five years.
Chief Executive of Foundation66, Sally Scriminger, says:
“The older people we see with drink problems come from all walks of life. Many are retired professionals, who never had issues with alcohol in the past. They don’t even have to leave home to buy alcohol – supermarket delivery services will bring it straight to their door. Because they don’t fit the stereotypes people hold about alcohol misuse, and because they often keep their drinking hidden, there just aren’t enough services out there to offer them the help they need.”
Last year Foundation66 piloted a project in the London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, to assess the need for alcohol treatment services among over-60s. The project was inundated with referrals and has helped 125 people in the last twelve months - the majority of them women. The scheme is now also being rolled out in Hammersmith and Fulham.
The Foundation66 research also indicated that one in 10 UK adults is concerned about the amount of alcohol drunk by a friend or family member aged 60 or over.
Sally Scriminger adds:
“A huge number of people are clearly worried about their parents’ or grandparents’ drinking habits. Our own projects have scratched the surface of a huge unmet need among older people, and the problem will only get worse. Without urgent intervention this will become a major issue, costing the NHS and our society a great deal.”
Helen, a 75 year old retired Magistrate from London, started drinking heavily after she stopped working and was looking after her disabled husband. On average, she was drinking a bottle of vodka and two or three glasses of wine every day. Helen was referred to Foundation66 by her GP after going to him about another health issue. She says:
“I hadn’t prepared myself for retirement and found the loss of status hard to bear. My husband’s illness added to the strain, and my own health stated to deteriorate. Drinking was just a way of coping. My Foundation66 counsellor helped me understand the dangers it posed, and with their support I’ve dramatically reduced the amount I drink.”
See www.foundation66.org.uk for more information.
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For more information, case studies or to interview a spokesperson contact Marysia McSperrin or Kate Beard on 020 7700 6952 or email marysia@amazonpr.co.uk
Notes to editors:
• The poll of 857 people aged 60 and over was carried out by YouGov 29 June - 2 July 2009
• The poll of UK adults is based on a sample of 2050 people and was carried out by YouGov between 26 - 29 June 2009
About Foundation66
• Foundation66 is one of the country’s largest alcohol-focused substance misuse services supporting over 6,500 people in the London area. It provides a range of services in 18 London boroughs, supporting those affected by alcohol and drug misuse from outreach through to residential rehabilitation
• Foundation66 was formed following the merger of alcohol and drug service providers Rugby House and ARP on 1 February 2009. The new organisation is being launched today at London’s Living Room, City Hall, London
• Nationally, there is only one service space for every 18 people who need treatment for substance misuse – National Treatment Agency For Substance Misuse
About older people drinking
• In recent years there has been a steady increase in the amount of alcohol consumed by people over 65 years-old - Joseph Rowntree Foundation Drinking in the UK: An exploration of trends May 2009
• Figures show alcohol-related hospital admissions in the over 65s are rising. Pensioners accounted for 357,300 hospital admissions in England in 2007-8 - NHS Data 2009
• Alcohol is 65 per cent more affordable now than in 1980 - Joseph Rowntree Foundation Drinking in the UK: An exploration of trends May 2009
