THOUSANDS of leaflets have been distributed to the elderly after pioneering university research revealed the reasons behind older people in sheltered accommodation turning to alcohol.

In the first study of its kind, public health expert Dr Annette Payne has carried out research examining why those in sheltered accommodation are consuming alcohol.

This growing issue has received almost no attention, prompting Dr Payne to interview older people living in accommodation in the Newcastle area.

Now her findings have led to the distribution of a public health leaflets by Newcastle City Council warning about the dangers of excessive drinking.

Dr Payne’s research revealed there were a number of factors behind older people’s drinking habits. These included a lack of social contact, mental health, domestic violence issues, family relationships and a lack of employment.

Dr Payne, who works in Public Health at Newcastle City Council, said: “Contrary to many perceptions of ‘later life’, this research found that older people’s lives do not get easier as they age, so the reasons they turn to alcohol are both complicated and specific to the individual.

“As we grow older it gets harder for the body to cope with the effects of alcohol. It’s also important to remember that alcohol mixed with medications can make people more susceptible to falls, accidents and greater mobility problems.

“Current alcohol guidelines just group everybody together and don’t take into account the vulnerability of older people to alcohol.

"The leaflet we created has been given out to make people aware of the risks and the effects drinking can have as they age.”

It is hoped the research carried out by Dr Payne, who was awarded her PhD by the University of Sunderland, will help improve awareness of this hidden generation of drinkers.

Dr Payne said she was moved by the stories of many older people who she interviewed for the research, with some having suffered trauma earlier on in their lives which had led them to excessive alcohol consumption.

The research concludes that much more needs to be done to support older people living in sheltered accommodation when it comes to limiting alcohol consumption.

Older people are the group most likely to lack knowledge of what current alcohol units and limits are.

One of the recommendations emerging from Dr Payne’s work is that an older person specific alcohol unit guide should be developed and implemented.

Dr Payne added: “There also needs to be improved multidisciplinary staff training to facilitate an increase in the identification of those older people who consume over the advised alcohol limits.

“Policy should consider the move away from a one size fits all model of alcohol management to a more individualised approach to support the adjustment of later life events.”