Questions we get asked the most
Can I get help with hospital travel costs?What happens when I’m discharged from hospital?Am I eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare?What is intermediate care?Healthy living
Looking after your mental and physical health can help you live well and stay happy, active and safe in later life.
Hospital stays
You may not always know you'll be going into hospital, but when you do it's a good idea to plan ahead. Deciding what you'll take with you, thinking about the information you need, and knowing how the hospital should manage your return home can all make your hospital stay more manageable.
Healthcare rights
Your rights to NHS care are set out in the NHS Constitution. These cover things like how you access services, the quality of the healthcare you’re offered and how to make a complaint if something goes wrong. The Constitution also explains things you can expect which aren’t a legal right.
Living with long-term health conditions
Information on living well and managing your condition
Mental health
Mental health
Just like your physical health, your mental health can change as you get older. But mental health problems aren’t an inevitable part of getting older. If you or a loved one are suffering, you can get support and there are things you can do to help yourself.
As we get older, painful events or changes in our lives, such as becoming a carer or retirement, can affect our mental health. Find out how you can keep yourself well and where you can get help if you need it.
Depression affects one in five older people. Knowing what to look out for and where you can go for help are the first steps towards feeling better.
Most people feel anxious sometimes, but if it goes on too long, it can stop you doing things and affect your health. Read about the treatments for anxiety and how it can be managed.
We become more sensitive to the effects of alcohol and drugs – including prescribed medication – as we get older. Understand the risks of alcohol and drug misuse, recognise when you may have a problem and where to seek support.
Hoarding is a complex problem. There is support available to deal with the issues that lead some people to hoard. There are also steps you can take to help yourself.
If you think someone you know is struggling with their mental health, there are signs to look out for. There are also simple ways you can help.
Read our October 2020 report about older people’s experiences of mental health and accessing support. It includes research, real-life stories and recommendations for what needs to change.
If you’re feeling lonely, or you know someone else who might be, there are things you can do to help and places you can look for support.
What to do if you need extra help to manage in your day-to-day life, or you’ve started caring for someone else and want to know what support and advice is available.