As we age, it is common to have a growing number of health issues. This can happen gradually and we may notice it takes us longer to do household chores, walk to the shops and we may start feeling a bit unsteady on our feet. Over time, this can affect our ability to bounce back after an illness or other stressful events, as well as our ability to live independently or keep in touch with family and friends.
We cannot stop the ageing process, but the advice given in this Practical Guide to Healthy Ageing, will help to keep you fit and independent.
If you are a Guildford or Waverley resident, please visit our Independence and Wellbeing page to find local information and support.
On this page:
- Loneliness in older people
- Preventing falls
- Scams awareness
- Useful links and support
- Independence and Wellbeing Information for Guildford & Waverley residents
Loneliness in older people
Hundreds of thousands of elderly people are lonely and cut off from society in this country, especially those over the age of 75. This means that older people are especially vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation, which can have a serious effect on health. However, there are ways to overcome loneliness, even if you live alone and find it hard to get out.
People can become socially isolated for a variety of reasons, such as getting older or weaker, no longer being the hub of their family, leaving the workplace, the deaths of spouses and friends, or through disability or illness.
Whatever the cause, it's shockingly easy to be left feeling alone and vulnerable, which can lead to depression and a serious decline in physical health and wellbeing. Someone who is lonely probably also finds it hard to reach out. There is a stigma surrounding loneliness, and older people tend not to ask for help because they have too much pride.
It's important to remember loneliness can, and does, affect anyone, of any age. There are many ways for older people to connect with others, and feel useful and appreciated again.
Find out more about loneliness in older people on the nhs.uk website.
Preventing Falls
Anyone can have a fall, but older people are more vulnerable and likely to fall, especially if they have a long-term health condition.
A fall can cause the person to lose confidence, become withdrawn and feel as if they have lost their independence.
The natural ageing process means that older people have an increased risk of having a fall. In the UK, falls are the most common cause of injury related deaths in people over the age of 75.
For more detailed information on how to prevent a fall, go to the nhs.uk website.
Scams Awareness
Elderly and vulnerable people are particularly likely to receive scam mail and telephone calls encouraging them to part with their money or hand over bank details, which can lead to financial devastation.
For more information on how to protect yourself from scams, please click on the following links:
Useful links and Support
- Voluntary Car Schemes - Voluntary car schemes are available to help the elderly and vulnerable to access hospital appointments and collect prescriptions. The Surrey Community Action Find a Good Neighbour Scheme has further details or you can open this pdf document listing of the car schemes available in your area. (87 KB)
- Active Surrey - Helping people to become happier and healthier through exercise
- Chartered Society of Physiotherapy - Falls prevention exercises
- Age UK - How to reduce your risk of falling
- Surrey Information Point - Information about local services available to you
- Surrey Information Point - Getting around - Information about public transport, help with travel costs and community transport schemes
- ROSPA - Watch a video from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents on how to get up safely after a fall
- Action for Carers Surrey - A registered charity who are there to help unpaid carers of all ages, right across Surrey, with information, support and advice.
- Healthwatch Surrey - An independent organisation, which gives people in Surrey a strong voice to help improve, shape and get the best from local health and social care services.
- Healthy Surrey - Self-care information to help you lead a healthier life, whether you want to be more active, drink less alcohol, stop smoking, and more.