Older Australians drinking too much

Dr Stephen Bright

writer

Dr Stephen Bright

Senior Lecturer of Addiction, Edith Cowan University

Dr Julie Dare

writer

Dr Julie Dare

Senior Lecturer, Health Promotion, Edith Cowan University

Drinking patterns tend to change as we age. The older we get, the more likely we are to drink on a daily basis. But older adults often perceive that drinking is only a problem if a person appears drunk.

Australia’s draft alcohol guidelines recommend healthy adults drink no more than ten standard drinks per week and no more than four in a day. This is down from 14 standard drinks per week in the previous guidelines and no more than two standard drinks in any one day.

Anything above this is considered risky drinking because it increases the risk of alcohol-related diseases, such as cancer, and injuries.

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Dr Stephen Bright

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Dr Stephen Bright

Senior Lecturer of Addiction, Edith Cowan University

Dr Julie Dare

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Dr Julie Dare

Senior Lecturer, Health Promotion, Edith Cowan University

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