Drink Wise, Age Well

General information

Drink Wise, Age Well helps people make healthier choices about alcohol as they get older.

Many people think problems caused by alcohol are a matter for the young. We know now this is a significant issue for many people as they grow older.

We’re not just talking about hardened drinkers, even day-to-day drinking can:

• affect our quality of sleep
• cause memory problems
• affect our mood and relationships
• make existing health conditions worse, such as diabetes

As we age our bodies change, meaning alcohol processes more slowly and can us problems, such as:

• being over the drink drive limit without realising
• mixing badly with prescription medications
• increased risk of slips or falls
• increased blood pressure

Getting older also brings life transitions such as retirement or losing a loved one. These can be challenging and stressful times and we may find ourselves drinking more than we used to.

Drink Wise, Age Well helps you make healthier choices about alcohol as you age by offering:

• information and advice on how to lower your risk
• a range of social activities and short courses
• one-to-one support, peer groups or family support if you need it

We also help anyone who supports or works with people over 50 to learn how to recognise problems caused by alcohol and how to respond appropriately.