‘Over-60s drink more often than teens’

Published Nov 13, 2014

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London - The over-60s drink twice as often as those in their teens and twenties, a survey has found.

They are inclined to enjoy a gin and tonic or a few glasses of wine of an evening, whereas younger generations tend to drink only at weekends.

The survey found that on average the over-60s drink between two or three times a week, compared to those aged 16 to 30 who drink once or twice.

And 15 percent of the over-60s drank every night of the week compared to one percent of those aged 16 to 30, the poll of 1 119 adults by Channel 4 News showed.

But experts pointed out that unlike young adults, the older generation knew their limits and drank responsibly.

Paul Green, director of communication at Saga, which offers insurance and services for the over-50s, said: “Older people don’t tend to drink their entire week’s alcohol limit in a single night.

“They might enjoy a few glasses of wine with the meal or a gin or tonic in the evening, and they’ve earned it. They certainly aren’t going to pre-load and drink for the purposes of getting drunk.

“It’s all part of social interaction. Drinking to excess or binge drinking is clearly wrong, but older people tend to be wiser, they know how to live life to the full but know their limits.

“A glass of wine, pint of ale or a G&T are part of the way many socialise and relax.”

The poll questioned 509 people aged 16 to 30 and 610 aged 60 and over. Its findings are consistent with data from the Office for National Statistics showing that over-40s are twice as likely to drink every day of the week than younger generations.

Health experts say many are unaware of the toll it is taking on their long-term health. Deaths from liver disease have doubled in a decade; there were 4 425 in 2012, mostly in the middle-aged and elderly.

There is also growing evidence that alcohol contributes to a number of forms of cancer and raises the risk of dementia.

Last week senior doctors called for labels on alcohol to display calorie content.

* Women are more likely than men to drink a whole bottle of wine by themselves, says a survey by The Grocer.

Of 2 015 consumers, 16 percent of women said they regularly got through a bottle on their own, compared with 14 percent of men. - Daily Mail

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