Is There a Safer Way to Drink?  

As an average guide for adults, ALAC recommends the following low risk drinking <A href="http://www.alac.org.nz/LowRiskDrinking.aspx" target=_blank>guidelines</A>, however these may be too high for older people: <UL><LI>For women, not more than 14 standard drinks a week and no more than four standard drinks on any one occasion. <LI>For men, not more than 21 standard drinks a week and no more than six standard drinks on any one occasion. <LI>Both men and women should have some alcohol-free days each week. </LI></UL><STRONG>A lower limit in older age</STRONG><BR>In later life, these limits may be too high, because the body's tolerance to alcohol decreases with age. <BR><BR>Older people who have been regular drinkers all their lives may need to cut down their consumption by at least half. For some older people with particular health problems, especially those on medication, it may be best not to drink at all.<BR><BR>Drinking more safely means keeping within these <A href="http://www.alac

As an average guide for adults, ALAC recommends the following low risk drinking guidelines, however these may be too high for older people:

• For women, not more than 14 standard drinks a week and no more than four standard drinks on any one occasion.
• For men, not more than 21 standard drinks a week and no more than six standard drinks on any one occasion.
• Both men and women should have some alcohol-free days each week.

A lower limit in older age
In later life, these limits may be too high, because the body's tolerance to alcohol decreases with age.

Older people who have been regular drinkers all their lives may need to cut down their consumption by at least half. For some older people with particular health problems, especially those on medication, it may be best not to drink at all.

Drinking more safely means keeping within these upper limits and avoiding the risks associated with too much alcohol.

What is a standard drink?
Each of the drinks below contains one standard drink of alcohol.
[picture of 4 standard drinks....]

Extra strength beers, ciders or lagers may be twice as strong as ordinary beers, and drinks we pour ourselves at home may be bigger than we would be given in a pub.

Calories
Alcohol is high in calories but not in vitamins.

• 1 pint of beer = 150-180 calorie
• 1 sherry = 60 calorie
• 1 whisky = 58 calories
• 1 brandy = 75 calories
• 1 glass of white wine = 80 calories
• 1 pint of cider = 200 calories