With the adoption of many western ways of life and values this is now being challenged, resulting in a loss of respect for elders. Unable to share fears older people often find it hard to talk about their feelings traditionally keeping troubles to themselves. Safety Fears Fear of crime figures from crime surveys show that older people are not the most at risk group, but their perception of the threat of crime is greater than the actual risk. Built environment this impacts on their fear of going out . Public transport lack of visible staff both on and off the transport is not popular with older people.
Alcohol problems are likely to exacerbate and be exacerbated by any of the above issues.
Alistair acknowledged that this is quite a bleak picture, but emphasised that the issues can be addressed through a variety of means. He then handed over to the next speakers to talk more specifically about alcohol and the kinds of interventions that can be undertaken. The Difficulties of working with the older drinker Mari Taber, Older Person s Alcohol Specialist, CASA CASA s specialist service for older people started in 1996 with a harm minimisation brief. GPs and other professionals believed the service would get few referrals, and in the first year they were right - only 5. But two years later this number had risen to 52, and is now 73 with a waiting list.