Population ageing is taking place in nearly all the countries of the world and this is expected to continue over the coming years . Alcohol problems often occur in later life and are associated with notable social, psychological, physical and economic consequences; however, in later life alcohol problems are often less obvious, misdiagnosed or go under-detected and under-reported . Alcohol consumption and alcohol-related deaths or problems have recently increased among older age groups in many developed countries, including the USA, Australia and several countries of the European Union . This increase in consumption, in combination with the ageing of populations worldwide, means that the absolute number of older people with alcohol problems is on the increase and a real danger exists that a “silent epidemic” may be evolving . Although there is growing recognition of this public health problem ,clinicians consistently under-detect alcohol problems and under-deliver behaviour change interventions to older people while nurses report that they do not engage with older people as they worry about depriving them of the social benefts of drinking . In order for health professionals to successfully intervene with older people who are experiencing alcohol problems, it is important to understand the underlying factors that may increase exposure to, or consumption of, alcohol. An understanding of the different trajectories among older drinkers may also help health professional in directing treatment towards those affected more severely .