Exploring older people's support needs for making healthier decisions about alcohol during COVID-19

Research Question: How does promotion of healthier drinking amongst older people need to change during/after COVID-19? Background: One in three older people (aged 50+) has increased their alcohol intake during COVID-19, drinking at home in the context of stresses, boredom and loneliness. This is important for public health, as without intervention alcohol-related harm amongst older people will continue to increase, putting more pressure on health services. A good understanding is needed, of how older people s views and use of alcohol have changed during COVID-19, and their potential support needs to address hazardous alcohol use. Evidence will inform policymaking and service delivery, ensuring older people receive the right support to make healthy decisions about alcohol. Aim: To investigate how promotion of healthier drinking amongst older people needs to change during/after COVID-19. Objectives: 1. To understand how older people s views and use of alcohol have changed during COVID-19 2. To explore changes in older people s motivations to engage in healthy/unhealthy drinking during COVID-19 3. To explore older people s perceptions of the support they need to make healthier decisions about drinking during/after COVID-19 Methods: Qualitative study of older people s views and experiences relating to alcohol during COVID-19, with analysis of Drink Wise Age Well webchat records, where older people receive support for concerns about their drinking; and telephone interviews with a diverse national sample of higher-risk drinkers. Rapid evidence synthesis of research exploring how COVID-19 has affected older people s alcohol use and/or support needs. Timelines for Delivery: 6 months - with staged outcomes throughout. Anticipated Impact and Dissemination: This research will inform responses to older people s identified needs for support to make healthier decisions about alcohol, in alcohol and healthcare services. The applicant team is nested within the NIHR Policy Research Unit Older People and Frailty, and will utilise their existing relationships/regular meetings with policy customers (National Clinical Directors/Specialty Advisors, NHS England and NHS Improvement and local commissioning teams) to share emerging findings. We will also be supported by collaborators and alcohol harm prevention and treatment services Drink Wise Age Well, and Balance North East, to share findings with policy and practitioner audiences. The work will feature in webinars for policymakers and practitioners, briefings and academic publications.