There has been a steady increase in the amount of alcohol consumed by older people in recent years.

As we age our bodies change, so when alcohol is consumed it is broken down more slowly and we become more sensitive to its effects. There are many factors and life changes associated with high rates of alcohol use by older adults, such as their health, emotional and social situation.

Experiencing bereavement, chronic pain, caring for an elderly partner or family member, reduced mobility, disrupted sleep, stress, loss of occupation, social isolation and loneliness can all lead to an increase in alcohol intake. With increasing age can also come health issues and long term medication, which when combined with alcohol can cause problems.

Older people receive more prescriptions than any other age group and are often given multiple medications. Many medicines, both prescription and over the counter, interact negatively with alcohol. These interactions may increase the effect of a medicine, worsen a side effect, or result in a new condition.

Teresa Owen, director of public health for Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “Many people believe that alcohol helps them to feel better, but the realities show that very often this is far from the case.

“Although drinking alcohol in the short-term may provide people with a relatively easy coping strategy for stress, depression or anxiety, in the long-term it can serve to worsen the very symptoms it is being used to dampen and is also associated with a range of other mental health consequences.

“There are plenty of non-alcohol related activities known to boost your mood. There is strong evidence to suggest that incorporating the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ into your everyday life will help you to feel good and function well. So instead of drinking, try doing something that includes one or more of the ‘Five Ways’.”

The Five Ways to Wellbeing are a set of evidence based actions to improve personal wellbeing. They are known as the wellbeing equivalent of ‘five fruit and veg a day’. The five principles are: Connect… with people around. Building connections will help support and enrich your life; Be active… being active can make you feel good; Take Notice… be aware of what is around you and how you are feeling; Keep learning... learning new things can help make you confident; Give... do something nice for someone or try volunteering.

For more information on the Five Ways to Wellbeing, visit www.publichealthwales.org/gwentfiveways. If you are concerned about your level of alcohol consumption, help and advice is available from the Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline on 0808 808 2232. For more advice on sensible drinking, visit Hywel Dda’s online healthy lifestyle resource centre, Hywel’s House, by visiting: www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk.

The Welsh Government are currently consulting on a proposal for tackling the health harms associated with alcohol misuse. Please visit www.gov.wales/consultations/healthsocialcare/alcohol for more information and to have your say on the proposal.