Ageing well

We want everyone, whatever your age, to have the support you need to live independently, and well. People are living longer than they used to, and we have a key role to help older people live well.

Hertfordshire County Council and Essex County Council work together with health and care organisations across our integrated care system to ensure good health and care services are provided.

This page highlights some information you might find useful. Please visit the Hertfordshire County Council website or Essex County Council website for more detailed information on adult health and social care services.

Planning ahead for your care – conversations that matter

Dr Rob Mayson, a local GP explains the importance of talking to family or close friends about your future care needs:

“We want to make sure that all patients in the NHS get the care that is right for them. This is especially true for all of us as we get older or whenever we become unwell. Too often, we see that people’s wishes are not met towards the end of their life, which can be upsetting for them and their families.

“It can help to think ahead about what kind of care you would want if you got very sick. For example, would you always want healthcare professionals to try everything to keep you alive, even if it might not work? Or would you prefer care that focuses on keeping you comfortable?

“There are no right or wrong answers – it’s about what feels best for you. But it’s important that the health and care teams looking after you know your wishes to ensure the right decisions are made. Take some time to talk to your family or those you ae close to about how you might want to be looked after as you get older.

“It’s also a good time to think about the medicines you take. Do they still help you? Do you feel like you need them all? Sometimes, as we get older, some medicines may not be as helpful anymore. You can review them together with your GP, a pharmacist or another healthcare professional if you have any questions.

“You don’t have to decide anything right now. But it’s good to talk about these things with your family. If you’d like to chat more about it, your GP practice is here to help. You can bring it up at your next appointment or let your practice know if you’d like to talk sooner.

“We want everyone to feel comfortable having these conversations, and we believe it should be normal to start thinking about it at a younger age way before ill-health is even a consideration.”

Find out more on the Age UK website

Living with, or caring for someone with dementia

Dementia is a general term for a group of symptoms, such as loss of memory or problems with thinking or language, that interfere with daily life. It can include changes to mood, emotions and perceptions. Dementia can affect people at any age, but it is most common in older people over the age of 65.

It’s normal for your memory to be impacted by everyday things, like tiredness and stress. But if it’s affecting daily life, and you are becoming increasingly forgetful, or you feel like you are not understanding things as well as you did before, you should get help from your GP.

Possible symptoms of dementia are listed on the NHS website. Our county councils in Hertfordshire and west Essex have lots of advice to support people with dementia, and there are local services and activities that can help. Visit the Hertfordshire County Council website or explore the Essex County Council website.

Memory cafes

Memory cafes are social gatherings in community settings for people who might be worried about memory loss. They offer a chance to meet new people, enjoy a hot drink, and get advice and support.

If you live in Hertfordshire and would like to find a memory cafe near you, contact HertsHelp who will be able to put you in touch. Email HertsHelp or call them 0300 123 4044.

If you live in west Essex, call the Alzheimer’s Society on 0333 150 3456.

Preventing a fall

There is lots you can do to avoid having a painful fall that can stop you from carrying out your everyday activities. The NHS website has advice on how to do this, including changes that can be made at home, and exercises to improve balance and strength.

Those living in Hertfordshire might find it useful to visit Hertfordshire County Council’s website, which highlights local services that can help those at risk of falling.

If you live in west Essex, there is walking and mobility advice on the Essex County Council website, including how to contact Adult Social Care to discuss your care and support needs.

Some combinations of medicines can increase the risk of a fall. This leaflet has more information. (pdf)

Age-Friendly Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire is on a mission to become an age-friendly community. This innovative initiative is led by Age UK Hertfordshire, in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council, North Herts CVS, , and the Centre for Ageing Better.

The partnership is working with residents, local organisations and national partners to create an environment where older people are valued, supported, and empowered to live well as they age.

An Age-Friendly Community is one where older people can live active, connected, and healthy lives. It’s about making local places more accessible and inclusive – from transport and housing to social participation and combating ageism – so everyone can age with dignity and purpose.

Find out more about Age-Friendly Hertfordshire

Mental health support for older people

The Let’s Talk leaflets have been created by the Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care System Suicide Prevention Programme to raise awareness of depression in later life and to reduce the stigma around talking about suicide with older people. Download the leaflets below.

Let’s talk: Do you feel down? Do you feel tired for no reason? Have you lost pleasure or interest in things? (745kB pdf)

Let’s talk: Are you worried about the mental health of an older person you know? (739kB pdf)