A CHARITY handling the hidden epidemic of alcohol addiction among the over-60s is starting up in Hammersmith and Fulham after a successful trial across the borough border.
A year-long pilot scheme in Kensington and Chelsea saw more than 100 people referred to Foundation66 by doctors across the area, including an 87-year-old man who drank a bottle of whisky a day.
A YouGov survey commissioned by the charity found one in eight of over-60s drink more after retiring, frequently alone.
"They are a hidden group but they very much exist," said Judith Harding, a senior practitioner who offers counselling to problem drinkers in K&C.
"These are people who may be drink ing a bottle of brandy a day at home, on their own. They often drink for several reasons; low confidence after retiring, bereavement, loneliness and fear at a loss of independence.
"Some people feel the world has passed them by and drinking is a way to forget that."
Foundation66 does not expect to stop everyone who has been drinking - sometimes for decades - from completely giving up the booze.
"But people can make small changes to their lives, to control their drinking and regain control over their lives" adds Harding.
The issue, especially in a diverse borough such as K&C, can strike anyone, she explains.
"From dustmen to dowagers there's no stereotypical person with a problem with alcohol. I have former magistrates referred to me, but no-one is beyond help."
Chief executive of the charity, Sally Scriminger, says over-60s face increased health risks and accounted for three quarters of all hospital admissions in 2007-8.
She said: "The older people we see come from all walks of life.
"They don't even have to leave home to buy alcohol - supermarket delivery services will bring it straight to their door.
"Because they don't fit the stereotypes people hold about alcohol misuse, and because they often keep their drinking hidden, there just aren't enough services out there to help."
For more information see www.foundation66.org.uk .
