Senior health – articles and advice
Advice and features on health in later life, covering common conditions and wellbeing. For structured reference, see our Patient Information Leaflets on senior health.
General health
Older adults have unique health needs. Learn about home care, assistive devices, and how to plan ahead for changing care requirements.
- UpdatedHow to protect your bones as you get older
- How to protect your joints as you get older
- What are the risks of alcohol as you get older?
- Why is skin cancer on the rise among older adults?
- Navigating Christmas with a chronic illness
- Are older adults missing out when it comes to digital healthcare?
- How getting older affects your sleep
- Can physiotherapy prevent falls in older people?
- Can you be too old for a smear test?
- Why are STIs on the rise in older people?
- Essential steps to take to avoid falls this winter
Ageing
Ageing is natural, but you can age well. Discover how healthy habits, regular check-ups, and staying active promote better health as you grow older.
- What's your ageotype: the four main ways we age
- The best anti-ageing supplements for your health
- Could your diet be your best anti-ageing secret?
- Can taurine supplements slow ageing?
- Why do women live longer than men?
- Could an optimistic outlook help you live longer?
- Ear tickle' therapy could slow down ageing
- Getting fit in middle age boosts your chances of a longer life
- How your eyes change as you age
- How to have great sex in later life
- How life events and ageing can change your vagina
- What are the normal signs of ageing?
- The secrets of living to 100 years old
Arthritis
Achy joints? Stiff fingers? Arthritis comes in many forms but help is available. Understand what’s happening and what treatments can help you feel better.
- What foods are good for arthritis?
- What can you do to help prevent arthritis?
- Gout diet: foods to eat and avoid
- What's the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
- What it's like to be a young person with arthritis
- The best exercises to try if you have arthritis
- What it's really like to live with gout
End of life care
End of life care is about comfort and dignity. Discover how services support patients and families through symptom control, emotional care, and decision making.
- End of life care: medical, emotional and spiritual support
- LGBTQI+: what are the barriers and challenges in end of life care?
- How to cope with a terminal illness at Christmas
- What are the options for end of life care?
- How to talk about your end of life care wishes
- What not to say to someone who is dying
- What you need to know about end of life care
Memory loss and dementia
Struggling to remember names or appointments? Learn the difference between normal forgetfulness and early signs of dementia, plus tips for maintaining memory health.
- The power of nostalgia: what is Reminiscence Therapy?
- 7 ways to help protect your brain from dementia
- The best brain exercises to sharpen your mind
- Young-onset dementia is linked to health and lifestyle, as well as genetics
- What is early Alzheimer’s disease - and what causes it?
- What causes dementia?
- How to support someone with dementia
- Brain training apps: do they really work?
- Can mental health problems and stress affect your memory?
- What not to say to someone with dementia
- Regular exercise could slow Alzheimer's disease
- Is it dementia or just forgetfulness?
- Good heart health in middle age may lower risk of dementia
- Blood test could predict Alzheimer's 20 years before symptoms
- Is this the reason Alzheimer's is more common in women?
- Experts reveal how a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of dementia
- What are the different types of dementia?
- What to do if you suspect a loved one has dementia
- How to tackle dementia stigma
- How to make shopping easier for people with dementia
- How to reduce your risk of dementia
- How does diet affect dementia?
Mental health
Loneliness, depression, or anxiety can affect older adults. Learn how to recognise the signs and where to find help and social support.