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17
Sept
Mid-life North Yorkshire women asked to complete survey on drinking habits
A survey has been released asking local women between the ages of 40 and 60 about their drinking habits.
Healthwatch North Yorkshire is asking women how much alcohol they drink and why.
Healthwatch is an organisation which aims to improve the healthcare system by using feedback to bridge the gap between patients and NHS leaders.
Healthwatch has chosen to look into North Yorkshire because it covers rural, coastal and urban areas.
Ashley Green, chief executive officer at Healthwatch North Yorkshire, said:
Mid-life brings unique health changes and pressures, and yet women’s voices in this age group are often missing from the alcohol conversation.
The rise in alcohol-related harm among women is a serious issue and we have a chance to make a difference by listening and acting.
Craig Marchant-Derrick, marketing and communications officer at Healthwatch North Yorkshire, also said women between the ages of 40 and 60 can feel "excluded" from the topic, despite alcohol-related hospital admissions being higher in older women.
They are often not brought into the conversation due to stigma, Mr Marchant-Derrick added.
Alcohol-related hospital admissions among mid-life women are also higher in North Yorkshire compared with the national average.
Mr Marchant-Derrick said:
People are worried they will be judged, or it might affect their workplace. We want to hear more from women – we’re not here to judge people.
The survey has so far revealed many local women drink to unwind from daily stresses such as work, family, caregiving and financial stresses.
Others drink to enjoy social occasions and feel more outgoing, according to the results.
Nearly 70% of mid-life women have tried to cut down or stop drinking, and some have stopped entirely.
Two in every three participants (66%) report drinking less or quitting between the ages of 40 and 60 due to concerns about physical or mental health.
Healthwatch North Yorkshire, which is also seeking feedback on local health services and is asking women what could be improved, hopes to receive 200 responses to the survey.
Ms Green added:
Every response will be part of a bigger picture that influences how health services and support are designed.
You can complete the survey by clicking here. It is running until October 31.
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