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Older Adults 50+

 

This is a briefing on what works for older adults in alcohol and drug prevention. For the purposes of this briefing, older adults have been defined as anyone aged 50 and over. However, it is important to note that there is considerable diversity within this group, and there is thus a large crossover between this briefing and the adults briefing. This means that some older adult interventions will be suitable for those under the age of 50 (Adult Evidence Briefing), and equally that some interventions highlighted in the adults briefing will be suitable for those aged 50 and over. Which interventions are most appropriate will depend on the issues that an individual is presenting with and should be person-centred (Consider Themes). 

In this evidence briefing, older adults have been defined as anyone aged 50 and over. At present, the proportion of older people with a substance use problem continues to rise more rapidly than can be explained by the rise in the proportion of older people in the UK;

Older adults should be included as a distinct group within alcohol and drug strategies, and their lived experience should be used to help design effective services;

Need to Know and Key Findings

While overall alcohol and drug consumption is falling, in older generations there is evidence that alcohol consumption is increasing, yet there is currently no alcohol strategy in Scotland that specifically considers the needs of older adults. Older adults with problem alcohol use are the least likely to receive treatment, but the most likely to have positive outcomes. Isolation and loneliness are more prevalent amongst older adults. The evidence supports "a strong social role" for drinking alcohol in older adults, thus interventions need to avoid "paradoxical harm", i.e. reduce the damage of drinking alcohol but retain the benefits of socialising. Age-related factors increase the risk of alcohol and drug use, including retirement, bereavement, dementia and chronic ill-health.
Older adults’ alcohol and drug use is commonly misdiagnosed or missed entirely. Training primary care staff to spot problem alcohol and drug use, specifically in over 50s, will improve access to treatment, particularly when an older age identification test and cognitive impairment test are used Venue choice is critical to making services accessible and acceptable for older adults, with a focus on access for those with limited mobility Intervention involving employers is important in being able to manage the transition to retirement Age-related alcohol guidelines need to be developed to combat a very low level of awareness of what these are amongst older adults1 Reduced hepatic function and the issue of poly pharmacy in older adults mean that pharmacological interventions may be less appropriate for this group.
Good Practice
Potential Stakeholders
  • Alcohol and drug services
  • Geriatric services
  • Community services
  • Allied health professionals
  • Employers
  • Pain management services
  • Policy teams
  • General Practitioners
Full Evidence Briefing

To view the full Evidence Briefing for Older Adults please click HERE.