Staying well
Whatever a person's age, it is never too early or too late to start making simple changes to help you improve your physical and mental health and wellbeing.
The following website has a wide range of health and wellbeing information.
NHS Direct WalesOpens new window
There is information on this page about
Ageing Well
Information and tips particularly relevant to ageing well.
Add to Your Life (NHS)Opens new window
Ageing Well in WalesOpens new window
Healthy Eating
Eating healthily can mean different things at different times of our lives, and may need to take account of particular medical conditions or activities.
However people of all ages can benefit from maintaining a healthy weight, eating a varied diet and getting moderate exercise. The NHS links below offer information to help you and your family eat healthily.
NHS - healthy eatingOpens new window
Detailed NHS Wales information about diet and nutritionOpens new window
Other useful links:
British Dietetic Association Food FactsheetsOpens new window
Stopping Smoking
If you're a smoker, quitting will improve your health and fitness and also save you money.
See the Stop Smoking WalesOpens new window website for information about services that will help you quit smoking, or ring them on 0800 085 2219.
You can download an app which helps you track your progress from NHS ChoicesOpens new window.
Exercise
Regular exercise is important for physical fitness and good health.
NHS ChoicesOpens new window has online guides for getting started with several different forms of exercise.
NHS Direct Wales information about physical activityOpens new window
Active Swansea aims to help people stay healthier through a range of activities and classes suitable for different ages and abilities.
For older people, regular gentle exercise helps with bone and muscle strength and balance, all of which help prevent falls.
Mental Wellbeing
If you're having problems with your mental health or emotional wellbeing, you're not alone. One in four of us will have problems with our mental health at some time in our lives.
The local partnership board for mental health services in Bridgend, Neath Port Talbot and Swansea has developed an 'electronic library' - a series of online self-help guidesOpens new window designed to offer information and advice on a wide range of subjects. The guides help users to make sense of emotional and wellbeing issues and signpost to appropriate services if further support is needed.
We also have a page with Information, advice and support around mental wellbeing and mental health problems .
Eye Health
Regular eye tests are important for everyone and are free for people under 16, over 65 and on certain benefits.
The NHS DirectOpens new window website can help you find an optician and has an eye problems symptom checker.
There is more information about eye health on the Wales Eye Care ServicesOpens new window website.
Information, advice and support for people with sight loss
Hearing Problems
Some degree of hearing loss is not uncommon as we get older. If your hearing loss is becoming a problem, talk to your GP who can refer you to an audiologist if appropriate.
To reduce your risk of developing hearing problems, try to avoid too much exposure to loud noise e.g. in the workplace or listening to music.
NHS Choices - Hearing ProblemsOpens new window has information about how you can check your hearing, the types of hearing problem that can arise and what you can do about them.
Information, advice and support for people with a hearing loss
Drugs and Alcohol
Alcohol and drug problems - agencies in Swansea who can give you confidential help if you have problems with alcohol and/or drugs.
DAN 24-7Opens new window is a free helpline providing for anyone in Wales wanting further information or help relating to drugs or alcohol. Tel: 0808 808 2234
NHS WalesOpens new window has information about alcohol consumption.
You can download an app which can help you manage how much alcohol you consume from NHS ChoicesOpens new window.
Health Screening Programmes
Screening programmes allow for the early detection and treatment of potential health problems. Find out more about the free screening programmes available in Wales on the Screening for LifeOpens new window website.
Summer and Winter Health
Extreme temperatures, whether it's too hot or too cold, can affect your health and well being.
Every winter Age Cymru co-ordinates a Keep Well This Winter campaign. Their Keep Well This WinterOpens new window web pages provide information and advice to older people in Wales to help maintain good health and keep warm throughout the winter months.
Public Health Wales - WeatherOpens new window has advice for looking after yourself and others during hot or cold weather.
Sun SmartOpens new window, run by Cancer Research UK, is the national skin cancer prevention campaign.
