Health professionals are reluctant to ask older people about their pattern of drinking alcohol for fear of offending them, research shows.

The study carried out by Queen Margaret University shows that they avoid asking important questions in case it creates a difficult conversation.

The study was carried out with 17 occupational therapists based in acute hospitals across Scotland.

The aim was to understand older people's use of alcohol in occupying their time and its impact on health.

Dr Fiona Maclean who led the research project said: "With an ageing population and changing lifestyles, we need to further our understanding of the relationship older people can have with alcohol.

"Changing life transitions in older age such as retirement, bereavement, social isolation and loneliness can result in older people developing a problematic relationship with alcohol."

She continued: "Our research highlights the need for occupational therapists to become more aware of the role alcohol can play in the lives of older people.

"We need to create ways in which therapists feel confident in asking questions of older people about their occupation of drinking alcohol.

"By addressing these issues we will be better equipped to help people make healthy transitions into older age".