Ageing well

Our older years should be some of the best years of our lives. This website has a wide range of information, advice and activities available to support you to keep healthy and maintain your wellbeing as you get older in Somerset.

Healthy ageing is an important part of growing older. We want to empower people to look after their mental health and support them by providing information and advice on health and wellbeing.

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’s important to stay healthy in the best way that you can.

Older years should be some of the best years of life. The information, advice and activities provided on these pages are there to support you to keep healthy and maintain your wellbeing as you get older in Somerset.

Pages in this section

About Healthy Ageing

Within Somerset Council’s Public Health team, we have a dedicated team responsible for Healthy Ageing

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.

Health checks

Free NHS health checks for adults aged 40 - 75

Preventing falls

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

Staying safe

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

Lifestyle and wellbeing information

Healthy eating

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

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. 

Keeping Active

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

Oral health for older people

Given the right circumstances, most mouth and teeth disease can be prevented or managed by ‘healthy behaviours’ such as enjoying a healthy balanced diet and cleaning teeth and gums effectively.

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 numerous local community groups across Somerset who offer friendly faces and interesting activities. Here are a few ideas: