The report summarized by Hallgren et al. in their Viewpoint reinforces the view that alcohol consumption by the elderly is a neglected target for health policy in Europe. The absence of comprehensive and harmonized data for individuals aged ≥65 years prevents an evaluation of the real impact of drinking on the elderly. It also seriously limits our capacity to develop specific strategies targeting the early identification of harmful alcohol use and brief intervention for the elderly. This area was also seen as a priority by the Council Conclusion in december 2009, which requested the development and implementation of effective measures in primary and elderly health care in order to reduce the negative impact …
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