Forward Leeds is launching a dedicated campaign raising awareness of the challenges and health risks associated with drinking in later life.
The campaign, running in Alcohol Awareness Week (7-13 July), highlights how alcohol can affect older adults differently and aims to start conversations about healthier habits and increased wellbeing.
73 year-old Colin Myers pictured above, was supported by Forward Leeds when his drinking became an issue in later life. Colin said: “When I was younger I didn’t drink that much. I was very athletic. Coming up to retirement, I started drinking more and more.
“Then when I retired, the days got longer, there was really little to do and the drinking just got worse. I was drinking a bottle a of scotch a day and sometimes I’d think, have I got enough to last me that day, and if I didn’t think I had, I’d go buy more.
“It just got on top of me and then I was ill. I had liver problems, borderline cirrhosis. Then I had a seizure and was rushed into hospital. My daughter broke down and said, enough’s enough, and that’s when I got help from Forward Leeds to stop.
“I’m now two years sober and my life’s great. I play golf, I’ve trained to become a luthier and I make guitars. Most importantly I’m going to be there for my family. I don’t miss drinking at all anymore.”
Figures from Leeds City Council show that 16% of people over the age of 50 in Leeds are drinking at higher risk levels compared with 6% in the general population of Leeds. 21% of people aged 65-74 in Leeds drink at least five days a week, compared to just 3% of 16-24 year-olds in the city. In addition, 62% of all of the people drinking at higher risk levels in Leeds are over the age of 50.
Forward Leeds Service Manager James Barrie said: “People may be surprised to learn that people in later life are also the people drinking to higher levels as well. As we age, our bodies process alcohol differently, increasing the risk of falls, memory problems, interactions with medications, and long-term health conditions such as liver disease, heart issues, and certain cancers.
“Despite these risks, people and some professionals are often unaware of the risks that alcohol use in later life can cause, so we are trying to raise awareness that to live a healthier life for a longer time, it’s best to watch what you are drinking”.
Councillor Fiona Venner, Leeds City Council’s executive member for health and wellbeing, said: “Ageing brings increased risks associated with alcohol, as a higher level of drinking can pose its own dangers as well as having an impact on other pre-existing health conditions.
“By changing drinking patterns, people in later life can not just live longer but also spend more time in good health. For women, the menopause is a particularly vulnerable time. Hormonal changes can impact sleep, mood, and physical health — and alcohol can worsen all of these symptoms.
“People looking to cut down or stop should get advice, information or support from their GP practice or a specialist alcohol service, such as Forward Leeds, where currently over half (51 per cent) of those receiving support are aged over 50.
“The Leeds statistics relating to drinking in later life are stark and I’d urge anyone concerned about their alcohol use to consider taking that vital step towards a healthier future.”
The campaign, developed with support from Age UK and the Leeds Older People’s Forum, aims to help people know the risks, understand how small changes can make a big difference and encourage open conversations with friends, family, and health professionals.
Forward Leeds has already circulated an Alcohol in Later Life leaflet to GP surgeries, health centres, pharmacies, community centres and charities across the city. More copies are available from the Public Health Resource Centre in Chapel Allerton.
During Alcohol Awareness Week, Forward Leeds will also be sharing some short films on social media, where people in later life share their tips and advice while busting some myths around drinking in later life.
The service will also be in person at a number of events in the city throughout Alcohol Awareness Week speaking to people in person and offering advice and information.
Finally, on the 16 July Forward Leeds is offering a free training session for professionals on Alcohol and Later Life that can be booked through their website.
For more information about alcohol in later life visit the Forward Leeds advice page: www.forwardleeds.co.uk/alcohol-in-later-life/
Anyone who is concerned about their drinking or that of someone they know can contact Forward Leeds on 0113 887 2477 or info@forwardleeds.co.uk