More than three-quarters of Irish people aged over 50 are either obese or overweight, and 1-in-5 men in the same age bracket is a 'problem drinker'.
The findings are part of the second wave of results from a major study by Trinity College Dublin, which looked at the health and well-being of our over-50s.
According to World Health Organisation (WHO), 53% of older Irish adults are at an increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular disease because of their waist circumference.
But despite health concerns, older people say they are satisfied with their lives. The study also found that people tend to drink less once they reach retirement.
The Irish LongituDinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) is a large-scale, nationally representative, longitudinal study on ageing in Ireland.
The report found that gross income levels of participants remained the same between this and the previous survey, despite a shift away from labour income sources towards retirement sources.
Eligibility for the State pension is the main reason for retirement for new retirees.
The proportion of the older population who report that their health is 'excellent' or 'very good' has increased from 41% to 44%. There was also a notable decrease in smokers after the age of 65.
Professor Rose-Anne Kenny says the drinking figures are a cause for concern, and that being overweight brings a higher risk of serious illnesses.
