One in five mid-life adults likely to try non-alcoholic products

New research shows that one in five (19%) of UK adults aged between 40 and 64 are willing to drink non-alcoholic beer, wine or spirits substitutes.

29% of UK adults aged between 40 and 64 would consider drinking a lower-strength alcoholic drink

According to a YouGov survey of more than 3,000 UK adults in the age group, less than half (49%) of 40 to 64 year olds have tried to reduce their drinking.

Commissioned by alcohol education charity Drinkaware, the survey asked drinkers how they currently moderate their drinking and the techniques they would consider for cutting back.

Drinkaware says this age group is most at risk of alcohol-related health harms.

The poll also found that one in three mid-life drinkers regularly consume six to eight units of alcohol on a single occasion.

When it comes to techniques for cutting back, 30% of drinkers in the age group said they would be willing to drink smaller glasses of wine or smaller bottles of beer.

Meanwhile, 29% of people would consider drinking a lower-strength alcoholic drink.

The survey also revealed that more than a quarter of people (27%) would be willing to keep a record of their consumption. While one in five individuals (20%) would be willing to avoid always having alcohol in the house.

The poll coincides with the launch of Drinkaware’s Drink Free Days campaign, aimed at encouraging mid-life drinkers to moderate their alcohol consumption by taking at least three drink-free days every week.

Drinkaware chief executive, Elaine Hindal, said: “The reality is that the more you drink, the greater the risk for your health. If you drink regularly, one of the most simple and effective ways to improve your health and wellbeing is to have several drink-free days each week.

“My advice to incorporate more drink-free days into your week is to plan ahead. Think about the situations that usually involve alcohol and plan what you will do instead of drinking.”