OVER-65s are the biggest daily drinkers in NSW, according to a new alcohol study.
A report by the NSW Department of Health found the over-65s are the age group most likely to drink alcohol every day.
Chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant found that roughly one-in-seven people over 65 (14 per cent) enjoy a daily tipple, compared to 1 per cent of people aged 16-24.
The report also found over-65s had double the hospitalisations for alcohol-related problems compared to those aged 15-24.
Dr Chant said drinking more than two standard drinks at a time could cause long-term health problems, including injury, liver disease and mental health problems.
In addition, her report says that around 5 per cent of all cancers diagnosed each year in Australia are attributable to long-term alcohol use, with even low levels of alcohol consumption associated with a greater chance of developing cancer.
But while the report found the biggest drinkers in the state were "overwhelmingly" over 65, it also found this age group was less likely to drink at harmful levels.
It found one in eight people aged 65 and over drink at levels that increase their long-term risk of harm compared with more than one in three people aged 16-24.
"Most people drink alcohol for enjoyment on social occasions and for relaxation at levels that have a minimal effect on health," Dr Chant said.
"However, a proportion of people drink at levels harmful to their health. Excessive alcohol consumption is one of the main preventable public health problems in Australia."
She said older people were more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol due to physiological changes associated with ageing, especially as a result of adverse interactions between certain types of medications with alcohol.
Merv Lane, president of Terrigal 50+ Leisure and Learning on the NSW Central Coast, said alcohol wasn't a particular problem with the club's members.
"Alcohol is not an issue we have had to confront here. A lot of people who come here are fairly active and take part in our exercise classes like zumba and yoga," said Mr Lane, suggesting his members didn't have time for drinking in between their rigorous exercise timetable.
He said while some members turn to the club to cope with depression and isolation, the social club is a great way to meet people.
"I think our members keeping active and meeting friends stops them from turning to drink. One member said we had actually saved her husband who was suffering from depression," he said.
