Evidence from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, a charity campaigning for social change in the UK, demonstrated an increase in psychological and/or physiological dependence on alcohol among middle-aged and older people. The research suggested reasons for this: 

• Increased affluence 
• Earlier retirement so more free time 
• Improved health 
• Alcohol is more affordable 
• Boredom, loneliness and difficulties with adjusting to a change in role, such as caring for older relations or coping with children leaving home 
• Alcohol education has focused on binge drinking in younger age groups. Older people may be unaware of the health risks, but know about the reported health benefits of drinking.

As people age, they become less able to metabolise alcohol, meaning that alcohol limits for older groups may need to be reviewed. Older people are also more likely to be taking medicines that could have interactions with alcohol. The combination of alcohol and medicines may additionally contribute to an increase in falls in this group.