Healthy Ageing

Ageing with dignity and independence

Growing older does not mean losing your voice or your right to make choices. Good support respects your preferences, culture, language and abilities. Small routines can help you stay independent and connected.

Movement, strength and preventing falls

Choose activity that suits your health and mobility, such as gentle walking, stretching, balance or strength exercises. Start slowly and ask a clinician or physiotherapist for guidance if you have health concerns or have recently fallen.

Reduce avoidable fall risks: keep walkways clear, improve lighting, use suitable footwear, check eyesight and discuss dizziness or balance problems with your GP. See NHS falls advice.

Food, hydration and sleep

Regular meals, enough fluids and appropriate nutrition support wellbeing. If you are losing weight unintentionally, struggling to swallow, finding it difficult to prepare meals or becoming dehydrated, ask for medical advice. Sleep needs and patterns can change; discuss persistent sleep problems or daytime exhaustion with a healthcare professional.

Medication safety and routine appointments

Keep an up-to-date list of medicines, doses and allergies, and bring it to appointments. Ask a pharmacist or GP before changing or stopping prescribed medicines or combining them with supplements. If you feel dizzy, confused or unwell after a medicine change, seek professional advice promptly.

Check relevant vaccinations, vision and hearing needs, dental care and screening eligibility. Recommendations vary by age, medical history and UK nation.

Memory, mood and staying connected

Feeling lonely, low or worried deserves attention. New confusion, significant memory changes or difficulties with daily tasks should be discussed with a GP. Sudden confusion can be a sign of serious illness and needs urgent medical assessment.

Keep in touch with people you trust, arrange regular check-ins if you live alone and explore local groups or community activities. See Stay Connected, Stay Safe for an emergency contact plan.

Recognise when to ask for help

Contact your GP if you feel unwell or notice persistent or worsening symptoms, falls, unexplained weight loss, changes in memory or difficulty managing everyday activities. In England, NHS 111 can advise on urgent but non-life-threatening concerns. For a life-threatening emergency, call 999.

Let a trusted friend or family member know if you need practical support, if it is safe and you choose to. Respect the older person’s privacy, preferences and decisions.

My Healthy Ageing checklist

Use this privately and review it regularly.

• ☐ I have a manageable plan for movement and balance.
• ☐ My home environment feels as safe as possible.
• ☐ I know my medicines and whom to ask about them.
• ☐ I have checked whether any health appointments are due.
• ☐ I have someone I can contact when I need support.
• ☐ I know what to do if I feel suddenly or seriously unwell.

One thing that would help me feel healthier or more independent:

One person or service I can contact: