BABY boomers are endangering their health due to excessive and regular drinking, health experts have warned.

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) for England revealed people aged 45 to 64 are regularly drinking at more hazardous levels.

In 2016, 60 per cent of women in the age range said, when surveyed, that they had drunk alcohol in the last week, the highest of any age group. Some 69 per cent of men had done the same.

And 13 per cent of women aged 65 and over drink on five or more days a week - the highest percentage of any age group.

A quarter of men aged 65 and over of also drink on five or more days, also the highest of any age group of men.

Men and women aged 45 to 64 are also more likely to binge drink than other age group.

The latest government guidelines recommend individuals drink no more than 14 units of alcohol per week and that these units should be spread over three or more days.

The study found that those in managerial or professional jobs are more likely to drink five days a week.

A Swindon Borough Council spokesman said: “Many people in the age group mentioned use alcohol to wind down or de-stress, but ultimately this does not work as alcohol is a depressant and can also affect your sleep leading to insomnia. This can be a particular problem for those who are using alcohol to combat stress or anxiety. Alternative ways to reduce stress could be to exercise, listen to music, take up a hobby. If after reducing your alcohol consumption you remain stressed and anxious contact your GP who may be able to help.”

Swindon is a Local Alcohol Action Area and have a working group which aims to reduce harm caused by alcohol in the town centre.

NHS Health Checks are available to those aged 40 -74 who do not have a diagnosed cardiovascular disease. This includes an assessment of alcohol intake. NHS Health Checks are available through your GP or by ringing 01793 465513.

For tips on how to reduce drinking visit drinkaware.co.uk and Alcoholconcern.org.uk

For those with more severe alcohol problems Swindon’s alcohol treatment service CGL (Change Grow Live)is based at Swindon Drug and Alcohol Treatment Service on Temple Street and can be reached on 01793 611 870 or emailed on swindondrugsandalcoholservices@cgl.org.uk

Alcohol Anonymous also run several groups within the Borough at various times and venues Visit alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/AA-Meetings/Find-a-Meeting#details or ring 0800 9177 650 to find out more information.

Dr Tony Rao, co-chairman of the older people’s substance misuse working group at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said: “These figures show that alcohol abuse is not a ‘young person problem’.

“It’s very concerning that while the rest of the population, including younger people, reduces its alcohol intake, baby boomers are drinking at a similar rate as before - and exceeding recommended guidelines.”