The CSIRO have just revealed the results of their 2016 Healthy Diet Score – and it’s not pretty.
With an average score of 59 out of 100, the report found 99 per cent of Australians were eating too much junk food – with booze one of our biggest weaknesses.
But 51 to 71-year-olds still fell below the 31-50 age group, with an average of 17.6 serves of alcohol a week compared to the younger group at 19.9.
For someone tired of hearing stories warning of the dangers of drinking for the over-60’s here or the problem of alcohol addiction in the over-50s here, it’s welcome news.
Time for a reality check
It’s true many of us of a certain age enjoy a glass or two.
A recent NSW Department of Health study found the over-65’s were the most likely to drink alcohol on a daily basis, one in seven compared to one in 100 for people aged 16-24.
But while NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant underlined the health problems associated with excessive drinking, she recognised there were some social benefits.
“I suspect that a lot of older Australians drink with their friends as part of their interactions and as we know having older people connected and socialising is in itself a benefit to them,” she told the ABC.
We’re also drinking a lot less than we used to. According to the latest Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report, Australians are now drinking the lowest amount of alcohol per person since the early 1960s.
Of these, 60 per cent are low-risk drinkers, with 22 per cent abstaining from drinking altogether.
Everything in moderation?
In the same ABC story, an addiction specialist at Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital also acknowledged only a “very small proportion” of people aged over 65 would be alcohol dependent.
And though there’s no doubt alcohol has been linked to cancer and an increased risk of falls and injuries, age does play a part in these too.
In some areas of the world where people have longer life expectancies, such as Sardinia, Greece and Japan, one or two drinks a day is even considered the average.
The CSIRO study shows many of us do drink more than the recommended amount but as mature adults who know the risks, should we feel guilty for enjoying the occasional tipple – or two?
The survey of 86,000 people also showed older Australians tended to have better diets, with Australians 71+ having an average score of 63 compared to 57 for 31 to 50-year-olds.
Retired people also had the highest average overall diet score of 62, the same as health industry workers.
Reason enough to uncork a bottle?
Find out your own diet score at the CSIRO website here.
If you or someone you know needs help with alcohol issues, there is support available:
Lifeline 13 11 14
DrugInfo 1300 85 85 84
Family Drug Helpline 1300 660 068
