Elderly drinkers are putting themselves at more risk of injury and death than their younger counterparts, according to health authorities.
The Alcohol Advisory Council (Alac), Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) and Age Concern have just released a booklet, highlighting potential dangers alcohol has for the over 65 age group.
The booklet warned alcohol could affect people differently as they grew older because the body changed how it processed drink.
The combination of alcohol and prescription medication could also have a sedating effect leading to an increased risk of accidents and injury.
"Experiencing problems related to alcohol has no age limit," Alac's manager early intervention Sue Paton said.
"In older people, falls, loss of memory, confusion and shaking limbs may be written off as signs of 'old age' when in fact they can be linked to a drinking problem."
ACC's manager of public safety programmes Jennifer Brown said New Zealanders over 65 had a one in three chance of having a fall each year.
"That rises to one in two when they reach 80. And the sad fact is that these falls often lead to a loss of independence or even death.
Age Concern professional adviser Carol Andrews said alcohol problems among older people were often a taboo subject.
"Easy-to-read information like this will help older people, and families concerned about their alcohol use. They will feel less alone and more able to ask for support."
The booklet is aimed at older people as well as their family, friends and carers. It identified symptoms that might indicate a problem with alcohol, such as general decline in health, memory loss, depression and anxiety, and falls or other injuries.
