Response to Kings College London study on increased drinking among 55-74 year olds
Matt Lambert, CEO of the Portman Group, the social responsibility and regulatory body for alcohol in the UK, commented:
“This is yet another study that shows the majority of UK consumers, including baby boomers, drank responsibly throughout the pandemic. The sample shows a positive increase in the number who were drinking at lower levels and an appreciable decrease in those who reported hazardous or harmful drinking. However, the findings reinforce the incredibly concerning pattern that a small number of people drinking at the highest level of alcohol harm appear to have further increased their drinking. Emerging from lockdown our focus should be targeted on these vulnerable adults, and look at finding support for the complex, multifaceted issues which they face. As such we support the call from the researchers to consider how to further develop support for older people with alcohol use disorders.”