More elderly Danes getting alcohol treatment

27 percent of all men aged 65-74 have an alcohol problem

An increasing number of Danes over the age of 65 are seeking help for alcohol problems, according to new figures from the health authority Sundhedsstyrelsen.

The report revealed that 1,427 Danes over the age of 65 received alcohol treatment in 2013 – over twice as many as the 655 cared for five years earlier.

“Often it is people who have had a large alcohol consumption throughout their lives,” Karsten Brøndmark, an alcohol counsellor at Frederiksberg Municipality, told DR Nyheder.

“When they retire and don’t have that much to do, they might start drinking even more – and then it can quickly escalate into an alcohol problem.”

READ MORE: Government to help young victims of alcohol and drug abuse

Municipalities can help
Sundhedsstyrelsen evaluated there are far more people struggling with alcohol issues in Denmark than there are seeking help, and doctors and nurses should be better at helping the elderly to access treatment.

According to the National Health Profile from 2010, 27 percent of all men and 10 percent of all women aged 65-74 have an alcohol problem.

The municipalities have been responsible for alcohol treatment in Denmark since 2007 and all of the municipalities offer help to citizens who struggle with alcohol problems.

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