Alcohol use

Help for older drinkers

Older people and their families, friends and carers now have a dedicated information resource about alcohol use.

Most seniors have good health and enjoy alcohol without problems, but for some, a regular tipple may become one drink too many.

Increased stress, changes in the way older bodies process alcohol, or unexpected interactions with medications can spell trouble for some older drinkers.

"There is very little information available to older people and their families, friends and carers about safe alcohol use," says Carol Andrews, Professional Adviser at Age Concern New Zealand. To remedy this, Age Concern collaborated with the Alcohol Advisory Council and ACC to produce an information booklet.

Alcohol and Older People- Information for older people. family, friends and carers is widely available free of charge. 

"Easy-to-read information like this will help older people, and families concerned about their alcohol use," Carol Andrews says. "We believe they will feel less alone and more able to ask for support."

The booklet lists danger signals that older people and their families, friends and carers should look out for, gives tips for safe alcohol use, and explains where to go for support and advice.

Resources

Order free copies from the Alcohol Advisory Council via www.alac.org.nz or freephone 0508 258-258, or from local Age Concerns

DOWNLOAD Alcohol and Older People- Information for older people. family, friends and carers

> DOWNLOAD  [large file: PDF, 4MB]

Other help

The Alcohol Drug Help Line 0800 787 797

Dedicated Maori line: 0800 787 798 [Mon 10am - 6pm; Tue 10am - 10pm; Weds 2pm - 10pm;  Thursday and Friday 6pm - 10pm; Sat 10am - 2pm] 

Dedicated Pacific Peoples' line:  0800 787 799 [Mon - Thu 10am - 2pm and then 6pm - 10pm; Fridays 10am - 2pm]