There still exist many barriers to initiating discussions about alcohol in the consultation room. Changing the frame of reference of the concept of alcohol drinking from an addictive disease to a general lifestyle risk factor could overcome many of these barriers.

Theoretical risks posed by alcohol use are not minimal in the older elderly, though the quantity of alcohol use is not considerable. Physicians and nurses should pay attention to chronic diseases and medications when counselling aged people about alcohol consumption. The question of clinical importance of alcohol-medication interactions needs to be studied further.

Drinking alcohol for medicinal purposes is common among the aged in Finland. Some people, especially older women, may find it easier to discuss their alcohol consumption in the context of medicinal use. Physicians have to consider the possible risks of alcohol associated with concomitant medical conditions and interactions of alcohol with medicines.

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Enabling flexible teamwork and social and professional support networks are the key issues in solving the problem of occupational isolation in general practice.