Older women drinkers: Need for research

RESEARCH needs to be carried out on the growing number of women, aged 55 to 80, who have drinking problems, a conference will be told this weekend.

Addiction specialist with the Irish College of General Practitioners Dr Rolande Andersen is warning that, among this group, problem drinking and alcoholism is hidden as it is often done alone at home.

Excessive drinking in older women can lead to an increased risk of osteoporosis, as well as mental health and blood pressure problems. Many such women suffer serious injuries owing to falling when drunk.