The middle-class trend of “wine o’clock” is increasing the rate of heart problems, liver disease and even alcohol-induced dementia.
And doctors warn people who enjoy a “few glasses” of wine at home each evening could be suffering from a form of chronic alcoholism.
While most responsible drinking advertising targets young people, there is also a growing concern about people in their 50s and 60s binge drinking. A glass or two ... or several more.
NSW Health data reveals 27.3 per cent of people aged 55-64 consume alcohol at levels that pose a long-term risk to their health.
While a few glasses of wine with dinner might be seen as “culturally sophisticated”, Australian Medical Association NSW president Dr Brad Frankum said there was a lack of awareness about the danger of home drinking.
“They don’t associate binge drinking with the cultured act of a glass of wine at night.
“But the evidence is clear that daily drinking increases risk of pancreatitis (and) liver disease and it contributes to obesity and weight problems, which cause a range of cardiovascular issues.”