Older men are twice as likely to end up in hospital with alcohol-related problems compared to younger generations, new figures show.

Men aged between 55 to 64 years old had the highest rate of alcohol-related admissions to general acute and psychiatric hospitals in 2018-19

Statistics published by ISD Scotland show there were 1625 admissions per 100,000 population for this age group, for problems such as mental and behavioural disorders, acute intoxication, long-term alcohol dependence and liver disease.

For men aged 25-34 years old, it dropped to 730.

Men were 2.5 times more likely than women to have a hospital stay due to drinking problems.

The highest rate for women – 626 per 100,000 - was among those aged 45-54 years old.

People in the most deprived areas were six times more likely to be admitted to an acute hospital for an alcohol-related condition, compared to those in the most affluent parts of the country.

Campaigners warn the figures are likely to be the “tip of the iceberg”, with heavy drinking among older age groups often a hidden problem.

Brian Sloan, chief executive of Age Scotland, said: “In some cases people might be heavy drinkers most of their lives, but only start to develop health issues in later life.

“They may have multiple conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, which can exacerbate the problem.

“For others, life changes such as retirement or bereavement can be the trigger for developing a drinking problem. A more relaxed lifestyle in retirement can mean alcohol easily becomes part of a daily routine.

“Physical ill-health, mobility issues or social isolation can also lead to boredom and depression, which can make people likely to drink more.”

He said older people – particularly men – often found it difficult to talk about drinking or mental health issues, meaning they miss out on the help needed.

“There are no easy answers but there is a clear need for more support, especially once people have been discharged from hospital.

“We also need to do more to tackle Scotland’s epidemic of loneliness and isolation, which is taking a severe toll on older people’s mental health.”

Overall, there were 38,370 alcohol-related stays in hospitals in Scotland in 2018-19, with the majority of patients treated in general acute wards.

There was a “steep and sustained” increase in alcohol-related hospital admissions over three decades, reaching a peak in 2007-8 at 855 per 100,000 population.

This has now fallen to 669 per 100,000 population.

However it is still far higher than the hospital admission rate in 1981-2, which was 157 per 100,000.  

Alison Douglas, chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland said it was disappointing the overall level of hospitalisations in 2018-19 remained similar to the previous year.

But she said data published earlier this year showed “cause for optimism” that minimum unit pricing was having an impact on levels of drinking.

She added: “Given the very high levels of consumption and associated problems in Scotland we need to continue our efforts to turn the tide of alcohol related harm. 

“Action to control availability and restrict marketing are also required if we are to change Scotland’s relationship with alcohol for good.”