AGEING WELL IN NORTHUMBERLAND
In the UK the number of people aged 65 and over has almost doubled in the last 30 years.
People living longer is a cause for celebration, and being able to stay healthy in later life is an important issue for all of us.
Ageing well means living an active, healthy and fulfilling life, connecting with other people, the community and services that promote independence and wellbeing.
Here in Northumberland we have lots of organisations which provide support, information and activities to help us age well. If you can’t find the service you are looking for, or would like more information, please get in touch.
Top tips for ageing better
Age UK has ten top tips for living healthily and happily for longer. These are:
- Watch what you eat and drink
- Look after your teeth
- Stay active
- Make the most of your doctor
- Get a vitamin boost
- Take care of your feet
- Sort out your sleep
- Take the tests
- Stay in touch
- Give up smoking
Read more at the Age UK website
Re-engage
Re-engage provides vital, life-enhancing social connections for older people. Services include:
- Tea parties – monthly social groups open to people aged 75 and over, providing regular afternoons of conversation and laughter with friends of all ages
- Call companions is a telephone befriending service ensuring older people stay connected to the outside world. Call companions is available to anyone aged 75 and over who is socially isolated and would like a regular chat over the phone with a friendly volunteer
- Activity groups give people 75 and over the chance to do gentle exercise as they make connections with other people
All services are free to older people.
U3A
U3A is a UK-wide collection of locally run interest groups that provide a wide range of opportunities for older people to come together to learn for fun. There are groups across Northumberland, in Alnwick, Ashington, Berwick, Blyth, Coquetdale, Cramlington, Morpeth, Ponteland, Prudhoe, Tynedale and Wooler amongst others.
Find your local group details at the link below.
A practical guide to healthy ageing
This guide was produced jointly by NHS England and Age UK. It provides hints and tips on how people can keep fit and stay independent.
The Elderberries Programme
This community programme is coordinated by The Alnwick Garden Trust with the aim of combatting the impact of loneliness and isolation for people over 55 living in Northumberland. The programme aims to make Northumberland a great place to grow old, be active, take positive steps to mental wellness, keep learning, and stay connected. Fitness sessions, walking and gardening groups, and IT sessions, are some of the activities on offer.
Engage
The Engage programme run by Northumberland Community & Voluntary Action (NCVA) is for anyone aged 50 and over living in Northumberland. Improve your health and wellbeing, meet new people and learn new skills. To find out more call Julie Fox on 07469 496 221 or email: julie.fox@northumberlandcva.org.uk
Useful websites
Age UK Northumberland
Age UK Northumberland is a local independent charity working in the community to support older people, their families and carers. It provides free information, advice and advocacy, plus exercise classes, befriending, lunch clubs and day centres.
Call the advice and information service on 01670 784 800 or visit the website for full details of services.
Places Leisure
Places Leisure manages, operates and maintains several sports and leisure centres across the county. The centres offer a range of pool, gym and fitness sessions, plus leisure activities such as bowling and climbing walls.
They also offer free wellbeing walks which are a perfect way to meet others and enjoy the outdoors, with weekly organised short and friendly walks in Northumberland.
The Silver Line
The Silver Line Helpline is a free, 24-hour telephone service for people aged 55 or over.
The service offers friendship, conversation, and support for people aged 55 or over, especially those who may be experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
As a free, confidential telephone service, The Silver Line gives older people the chance to pick up the phone and enjoy a chat, get some support, and feel all the benefits that come from talking to a friend.
Give The Silver Line a call on 0800 470 8090 or visit the website.
Reducing loneliness in later life
Loneliness can affect people of all ages. As we get older, we can be presented with many challenges in our lives that can lead to loneliness. A loss of a partner, family, or friends, retirement, illness or moving into different accommodation.
Mental Health Foundation has created these tips to help reduce loneliness in later life.
Independent Age
Independent Age is the national charity focused on improving the lives of people facing financial hardship in later life.
The helpline advisers offer free, practical support to older people without enough money to live on.
Call the helpline on 0800 319 6789. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm.
Wag and Company
Wag and Company‘s professionally assessed volunteers and their special dogs visit older dog lovers in their own homes as well as in care homes and hospitals across the North East of England. They provide elderly people, often in poor health, bereaved or isolated, with something to look forward to, some human company, a chat and a cuddle with that much missed furry friend.
If you know someone who could benefit from a visit call 01434 611 801 or visit the Wag and Company website.
YOUR HEALTH
Healthwatch Northumberland
We are your local health and social care champion. We’re here to make sure your views on NHS and social care services in Northumberland are heard.
