Search resultsAlcohol and older people from a public health perspective
Title
Alcohol and older people from a public health perspective
Publication type
Journal Article
Year of Publication
2012
Authors
Journal
Annali dell'Istituto Superiore di Sanita
Volume
48
Issue
3
Pagination
232 - 247
Date published
2012
ISBN
00212571 (ISSN)
Keywords
Aged, Aged, 80 and over, alcohol, Alcohol Drinking, Alcoholism, article, central depressant agent, Central Nervous System Depressants, drug interaction, Drug Interactions, Ethanol, Europe, Female, health education, health promotion, health service, Health Services Needs and Demand, health status, human, Humans, male, Middle Aged, public health, review, statistics
Abstract
Objectives and methods: As part of the European project VINTAGE, a systematic review of scientific literature was undertaken to document the evidence base on the impact of alcohol on the health and well-being of older people, and on effective policies and preventive approaches to face the problem in this steadily increasing segment of the population. Results: 369 references were identified, from which 78 papers were selected. Conclusions: The review confirms the paucity of data on this topic and the need for more specific research. Although there is scarce evidence, the elderly seems to respond equally well to alcohol policy, screening instruments and brief interventions as do younger adults. According to a lifecycle approach, a future focus on the middle aged is also recommended.