Ageing well: 65+

Census data (2021) shows that there are 141,900 over 65-year-olds living in Somerset with this figure projected to rise over the next few years. Life expectancy is also expected to rise, for many this means living with a disability for longer. In order to protect healthy life expectancy, it is important to stay healthy in the best way that you can.

In this section

Healthy ageing

Somerset Council’s Public Health service have a dedicated team responsible for healthy ageing

Alcohol and responsible drinking

All the information and advice in this section is here to support and inform you on the how to drink responsibly and the impacts that harmful drinking can have.

Brain health

Our brain is a very important organ which is sensitive to its environment and therefore sensitive to how well we take care of it

Domestic abuse

Information and support to support people experiencing domestic abuse.

Financial wellbeing

Managing your finances is a key part of looking after your health and wellbeing. Money worries can affect anyone at anytime.

Growing your own produce

The content on this page gives you information, advice and support to help you think about and start growing your own fruit and vegetables at home or in the community.

Health checks

Checks your circulatory and vascular health and what your risk of getting a disabling vascular disease is

Healthy eating

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is an important part of maintaining good health and can help you feel your best

Healthy weight

Maintaining a healthy weight can bring a positive lifestyle; increasing confidence, health and happiness.

Heart health

Your heart has many different functions and is vital for keeping you alive and there is no magic age to start to think about your heart

High blood pressure

High blood pressure a fairly common but dangerous condition

Keeping active

As we get older it is particularly important to do some type of physical activity every day

Infectious diseases

Infectious diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi

Libraries

Find out how your local library can support your health and wellbeing

Nature and wellbeing

There is growing evidence that spending time in green space or bringing nature into your everyday life can benefit both mental and physical wellbeing.

Orange Button – Community awareness scheme

Lets keep talking to prevent suicide

Oral health

Advice and support to help you to look after your teeth and oral health

Preventing falls

Deconditioning and a loss of our basic physical strength and balance is the main cause of falling.

Sexual health

Information and advice about your sexual health and wellbeing, including some of the services that are available in Somerset

Sleeping well

Sleep is essential for our health and wellbeing as it has a direct impact on our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

Staying safe

It is never too late to get help for people who are suffering from domestic abuse.

Support with your mental health

If you need someone to talk to about how you’re feeling and get advice about local services that can help to support you call locally on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692. 

Tobacco, smoking and vaping

Smoking is the leading cause of ill health and disease and over 60,000 people in Somerset are still smoking

More information on ageing well

There is more information and key facts about ageing in Somerset available on the Somerset Intelligence website.

Local community groups across Somerset

There are lots of local community groups across Somerset who offer friendly faces and interesting activities. Here are a few ideas.