It was Alcohol Awareness Week at the start of the month and during it I was reading some of the latest research and data on alcohol and older age in Scotland. It was both disturbing and yet sadly predictable.
Across Scotland today one of the hidden harms of alcohol is its impact on the lives of older Scots and their families and the relative lack of specialist social care provision to address that crisis. This growing issue is not only a personal tragedy for those affected but fractures too many families and communities. It is also a harm which as I’ve reflected upon last year in this blog space we still remain poor at calling it out and resourcing the change that’s needed.
Alcoholism among older adults is often overshadowed by other public health concerns. However, the statistics tell a worrying story.
Research indicates that alcohol misuse among those over 65 in Scotland is on the rise, exacerbated by factors such as loneliness, bereavement, and physical health problems. Unlike younger drinkers, older adults often face more severe health consequences from alcohol misuse, making early intervention and support crucial.
Health data indicates that a significant proportion of older adults consume alcohol regularly, with a notable segment drinking more than the recommended guidelines.
The 2022 Scottish Health Survey indicated that 24% of men and 13% of women aged 65-74 drink more than the recommended weekly alcohol limit (14 units per week). For those aged 75 and over, these figures are 16% for men and 8% for women.
In addition, data from the Information Services Division (ISD) Scotland reveals an increasing trend in alcohol-related hospital admissions among older adults. In the past decade, there has been a marked rise in admissions for alcohol-related conditions such as liver disease, falls, and cognitive impairment. ISD Scotland reported that in 2021, there were approximately 2,300 alcohol-related hospital admissions per 100,000 population for those aged 65 and over, a significant increase from previous years.
And further National Records of Scotland recorded 467 alcohol-specific deaths in 2022 among individuals aged 65 and over, an increase of 15% compared to 2021. Statistics show that individuals over 65 have higher alcohol-specific mortality rates compared to younger age groups, reflecting the severe health impacts of prolonged alcohol misuse.
Older adults struggling with alcoholism face a unique set of challenges. Physiologically, the aging body is less capable of metabolising alcohol, increasing vulnerability to its effects. This can lead to a range of health issues, including liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and cognitive decline. Moreover, alcohol can interact dangerously with medications commonly prescribed to older adults, compounding health risks.
Socially, older adults may experience isolation and loneliness, which can drive them to use alcohol as a coping mechanism. I’ve known too many times where the loss of a spouse, or retirement, or relocation has led to folks turning to the drink in older age. All this can sever social ties, leaving individuals even more vulnerable and the stigma associated with alcoholism can further isolate them, making it difficult to seek help.
The rise of alcoholism among older adults has profound implications for social care in Scotland. More and more frontline workers especially in homecare are telling of noticing an increase in alcohol addiction. They are often the first to notice the signs of alcohol misuse, such as frequent falls, memory lapses, or neglect of personal hygiene. However, recognising these signs can be challenging, as they are often attributed to aging itself rather than alcohol use.
Care providers face the complex task of managing the immediate health needs of these individuals while also addressing the underlying issue of alcoholism. This dual challenge requires a nuanced approach that combines clinical care with psychological and social support. In other words, the response has to have social care at its heart.
The data underscores the growing need for targeted interventions to address alcohol misuse among older adults. The current system is stretched to a point that it struggles with the majority and is failing to pick up this growing demographic and their acute needs.
Social care providers must be equipped with the knowledge and resources to identify and manage alcohol-related issues effectively. Investment at this level will support preventative work and will thus reduce the growing pressures on hospitals and residential care settings.
However, social care workers require specialised training to effectively support older adults with alcoholism. This includes understanding the signs of alcohol misuse, managing withdrawal symptoms, and providing compassionate, non-judgmental care. Without adequate training and resources, care providers will struggle to meet the complex needs of this population.
Addressing alcoholism among older adults in Scotland I believe requires a multifaceted approach, including:
Awareness and Education: raising awareness about the issue is the first step. This includes educating the public, care providers, and policymakers about the signs of alcohol misuse in older adults and the unique challenges they face.
Integrated Care Models: developing integrated care models that combine medical, psychological, and social care support is essential. This holistic approach can ensure that older adults receive comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs.
Community Support: strengthening community support networks can help reduce isolation and provide older adults with the social connections they need to combat loneliness. Yet sadly we are cutting back and defunding these programmes at a time of real need and acuity. Community programmes that offer social activities, peer support, and outreach can play a crucial role in prevention and early intervention.
Policy and Funding: it’s perhaps stating the obvious but national and local government in Scotland must prioritise funding for programmes and models that address alcohol misuse among older adults. This includes investing in training for social care workers and expanding access to treatment and support services.
Alcoholism among older adults in Scotland is a pressing issue that demands our collective attention and action.
The data on alcohol misuse among those over 65 in Scotland paints a concerning picture of a hidden crisis that requires urgent attention. By acknowledging the prevalence and impact of this issue, we can better support our older population through targeted interventions, comprehensive care models, and robust community support. Addressing this challenge is not only a matter of health but also of dignity and quality of life for our older citizens.
It is a challenge that intersects with the very heart of social care, impacting both those who suffer from alcohol misuse and the professionals who support them.
Let us not turn a blind eye to this issue. Let us confront it with compassion, understanding, and a commitment to creating a social care system that supports every individual, at every stage of life.
Donald Macaskill
Photo by Thomas Picauly on Unsplash
Last Updated on 13th July 2024 by donald.macaskill
