Think you can beat older people at drinking? Think again

A new research has found that Australians above 50 are getting ahead of the teenagers as the worst problem drinkers in the nation.

The National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS) found that older Australians are now the biggest problem drinkers, while people under 30 have contributed to two-thirds of the drop in drinking, the Daily Mail reported.

Dr Michael Livingston of the Centre for Alcohol Policy Research at La Trobe University found the older age group showed no change or had increased their drinking levels.

Between 2001 and 2013 there was little change in the risky consumption of alcohol among people aged 40 or older, with a similar proportion exceeding the lifetime risk and single occasion risk guidelines. Dr Livingston said that while the drop in drinking among younger Australians was a welcome news, rates of alcohol related harm in Australia remained high.

South Pacific Private Hospital owner Lorraine Wood told the Herald Sun her older clients were showing evidence of liver failure, brain damage, heart failure, osteoporosis and forgetfulness associated with their alcohol problems.

Ms Wood said to ensure older people are less likely to turn to alcohol, it was important to avoid isolation and boredom in retirement by planning ahead and having projects, a purpose and people to spend time with.