Development of Australia's first older adult-specific early intervention for alcohol-related harm: Feasibility and proof of concept

Abstract

Objectives: The rate of older Australians at risk of experiencing alcohol-related harm increased by 31% over the past 10 years, yet there are no Australian age-specific early interventions. We describe the development of Australia's first age-specific early intervention protocol. Methods: Through examining effective overseas older adult-specific interventions, in addition to other relevant literature, an early intervention protocol was developed. Results: The Older Wiser Lifestyles (OWL) early intervention protocol extends protocols that have been developed overseas through providing: (i) interventions that are tailored to the person's readiness to change, including the provision of harm reduction strategies for people who are precontemplative; and (ii) individualised psychoeducational materials regarding medical conditions and medications. Conclusion: The OWL protocol has been successfully implemented in a service, and preliminary data warrant a clinical trial of the intervention. Australian health-care providers should consider the OWL protocol as a simple method to reduce the risk from alcohol consumption among older adults.