Alcohol and Older People - Essential Information for Social Workers

Whilst older people generally drink less than younger generations, the number of older people who experience alcohol related problems is increasing as a consequence of our ageing population and changing patterns of alcohol consumption.

Older people are frequently more sensitive to the effects of alcohol, and its use can significantly affect the quality of older peoples’ lives, and that of those close to them.

Social Workers should be able to utilise their role and generic skills to intervene confidently and effectively when they encounter alcohol use in their work with older people.