Ageing Well

Across the world, people are living longer. 

Althogh this increase in the number of people living longer can be seen as a public health success story, many of these additional years are spent in ill health.

Many people have a limiting long-term health condition, such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, cancer, arthritis and dementia. Many of these conditions are linked to lifestyle and behaviours that can be changed.  

One of the major challenges across the country is how to enable our increasingly older population to continue to live active, independent and fulfilled lives. It is no different in the Dover district. We are already working through a range of services and partnerships to improve services, choice, and be more responsive to older people’s needs.

Staying fit and healthy

There are many small changes you can make to your lifestyle to stay fit and healthy, such as:

  • Keeping active  to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as reducing the risk of health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, cancer and dementia.
  • Eating healthily:  Eating a balanced and nutritious diet controls your weight and can help you fight off illnesses.
  • Staying warm at home:  A cold home can lead to serious health problems. There are schemes and grants to help you make changes to your home, to improve its energy efficiency and environmental impact - please see our Energy Advice page for energy tips and information on grant schemes. 
  • Getting the flu jab:  People over 65 or with long term health conditions can be severely affected by the flu and are eligible for a free vaccination. There are also other vaccinations available - please see NHS vaccinations and when to have them. 

Publications

Age UK and the NHS have published a practical guide to healthy ageing. This booklet contains advice to help improve the health and general fitness of people of any age, but it is written to be particularly relevant for people who are about 70 years or older. 

Support in the district

There are many groups and organisations providing services, activities and support in the Dover district. Good sources of information include: 

Dementia »

Improving awareness and understanding of dementia within our communities.

Preventing falls »

There are many things that you can do to help prevent falls and fractures.

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