Sheffield experts issue mid-life boozing warning

Middle-aged drinkers are '˜risking their health' as much as younger people with their boozing habits, according to researchers at The University of Sheffield.
Photo : David Jones/PA WirePhoto : David Jones/PA Wire
Photo : David Jones/PA Wire

A new study found people over the age of 35 are just as guilty for ‘pre-loading’ before nights – but could be more likely to ‘post-load’ with drinks at a home or a friend’s after a night.

John Holmes, researcher with the university’s alcohol research group, said people were drinking the equivalent of a bottle and a half of wine per occasion.

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He said: “Generally, we only talk about young people pre-loading but this is also an issue among older age groups.

“For those in middle-age, it’s probably not drinking before going out and tearing up the town.

“But drinking after a night out leads to them consuming the same amount as younger age groups, which obviously affects their health long-term if they’re doing it regularly.”

The study, published online in the journal Addiction, found that 23 per cent of more than 60,000 people questioned about their drinking in the previous week had been out drinking in multiple locations on one night – such as at home and a pub – and had drunk heavily.

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The study also found that couples who stay at home and drink on weekends typically consume more than a bottle of wine each.

However, the overall study found that, of almost 190,000 drinking occasions examined, almost half are moderate, relaxed and take place in the home.