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By Hawkesbury Gazette
Based on reporting by the ABC and national data
Australians are increasingly rethinking their relationship with alcohol, yet new national data reveals that older adults—especially those in their 50s and 60s—remain some of the most likely to drink beyond recommended health limits. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), over 33% of Australians in their 60s consume alcohol at levels considered risky, compared with around 31% of the broader population aged 14 and over.
The City of Hawkesbury, with a median age of 39 and a significant proportion of residents in middle and older age groups, reflects these national trends. In 2021, about 20% of the local population was aged between 50 and 64, making the impact of risky drinking a pressing concern for the community.
Health experts warn that alcohol-related harms can be more severe among older adults due to chronic health conditions, medication interactions, reduced tolerance, and social isolation issues common in Hawkesbury communities. Compounding the problem are local factors such as limited public transport and sparse late-night options. With bus and rail services limited, older residents often face difficult choices when attending social gatherings: drive, stay overnight, or drink at home where responsible service and monitoring are absent.
“I’m 21 and part of Gen Z, and I actually don’t drink,” says Hayden, who works at a local pub. “Working here, I see a lot of older people drinking regularly and sometimes more than what’s recommended. It’s interesting because while younger people like me are choosing to cut back or avoid alcohol, the older generation seems to have different habits.”
National guidelines advise adults to consume no more than 10 standard drinks per week and no more than four on any single day to lower risks including cancer, liver and heart disease, and mental health impacts. While younger Australians are drinking less, AIHW data show risky drinking persists among older adults.
Ayla Chorley, CEO of the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE), highlights concerns over easy online alcohol access and digital marketing that normalise regular drinking at home. Meanwhile, industry representatives point to declines in risky drinking and rising popularity of low- and no-alcohol options.
For Hawkesbury, these findings underscore the need for public health messages tailored to local realities: an ageing population, limited transport, and tight-knit communities. Health professionals recommend planning ahead, designated drivers, alcohol-free social events, and raising awareness of safe drinking limits—especially for older adults who may not perceive themselves at risk.
This article draws on ABC reporting and data from the AIHW, Australian Bureau of Statistics, and local sources.
