Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30
Coronavirus FAQs
Questions about cover for coronavirus? Read our FAQs and find out what our policies can do for you. If you would like to contact us, please note we are currently only available 09:00 to 17:30 Monday to Friday due to reduced operational capacity. Thank you.
27 August 2015 09:20
Some older people are risking the ill effects of alcohol misuse, research suggests
An "alarming" number of older people are drinking an unsafe amount of alcohol, data suggests.
Researchers at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King's College London claim one in five over-65s are putting their health at risk by exceeding the recommended number of units per week.
They are calling for greater awareness of the potential for alcohol-related harm among older people, particularly the 'Baby Boomer' generation.
Unsafe levels
The study, published in BMJ Open, analysed the health records of almost 28,000 people living in the borough of Lambeth in London.
Unsafe drinkers were more likely to be male, younger and have a higher socio-economic status.
Those who had more money and were better educated tended to be heavier drinkers than those from a more deprived background.
Men were also more likely to be unsafe drinkers than women - unsafe levels were defined as more than 21 units of alcohol for men and 14 units for women each week - as were white or Irish people compared to those from Caribbean, African or Asian ethnicities.
Health risks
Heavy drinking can increase blood pressure and blood cholesterol, both of which are major risk factors for heart attacks and strokes, while long-term alcohol misuse can weaken the immune system.
Older people's travel insurance covers emergency medical expenses, giving them the peace of mind needed to enjoy trips abroad.
Growing concerns
As Lambeth has an ethnically diverse population, the researchers claim other parts of the country are likely to have far higher numbers of heavy drinking over-65s.
They also warn true levels of consumption could be much higher as the findings of the research rely on patients giving details of their drinking habits to their doctors, meaning it is likely many under-report their consumption.
Lead author Dr Tony Rao says there is a need to raise awareness of the potential for alcohol-related harm in older people.
He adds that individuals of higher socio-economic status need to be more aware of the damaging consequences as they may suffer ill health from alcohol at an earlier age than those in previous generations.
09 March 2020
Move over hot cross buns and chocolate eggs, there's a whole world of Easter treats out there. Here are some alternative Easter foods from around the world.
[more...]
Forget egg hunts and bunnies, Easter's done a little bit differently in these corners of the world. Here five alternative Easter celebrations.
28 February 2020
Keep your carbon footprint in check and travel green with our eco-friendly travel tips.
25 February 2020
For true carefree travel, decide on a destination that's kinder to the planet...
20 February 2020
Travel into the future and not just through time-zones, with destinations shaping urban living.
National Anthem Day falls on the 3rd March, so what better excuse is there to delve into into the world of music and motherland?
Discover five alternative places to get down on one knee this leap year.
Two-wheels are better than none. Check out our favourite cities best explored from a saddle.
04 February 2020
Make your phone the perfect travel companion for the new year...
Bohemian boulevards and ornate opera houses await away from the Six Nations action.
Kite Flying Day falls on 8th February. What better time is there to plan your next trip through the skies?
10 February 2020
With Ferris Wheel Day on 14th February, there's never been a better excuse to enjoy a foreign skyline.