Overview
- A Our Future Health analysis of about 1.7 million responses reveals a sharp generational split in drinking habits, with younger adults far less likely to drink regularly or exceed the UK guideline of 14 units a week.
- People in their 40s were about 52% more likely than under‑40s to exceed the 14‑unit weekly limit, with prevalence rising to roughly 26% in the 50s and 28.2% in the 60s.
- Daily drinking climbs steadily with age, from roughly 2% of people in their 20s to about 6% in their 40s, nearly 14% in their 60s and about 25% of those over 80.
- Higher earners drink more: those earning over £100,000 were the most likely to exceed weekly limits and over 90% of top earners reported drinking compared with under 80% of the lowest earners.
- Experts say the findings need targeted public‑health action and more research because harmful consumption is now concentrated in middle and older age groups and could change demand for pubs, bars and alcohol products.