ARCHIVES - TIP OF THE WEEK

For more practical tips on ageing, please visit Action for Ageing.

Do you have a smoke alarm - and does it work?

Smoke alarms save lives. Fifty per cent of all fires are in the homes of people aged over 65. Installing a smoke (and ideally a carbon monoxide) alarm could save your life.

Be prepared for medical emergencies

It's always better to know what you would do in a medical emergency. Who is your doctor? Where are the hospitals? Who should a doctor contact on your behalf (and what's their number)?

Plants for health

Keeping plants is an easy way to keep active and spice up the home. Clear old or dead plants out regularly to keep things fresh!

Staying interested and stimulating the mind

Games, puzzles, reading - they can all keep you stimulated and slow some of the mental declines associated with ageing.

One way to avoid falls...

Use bottled soap rather than a soap bar in the shower and bath. It's one easy way to avoid falling.

Singing for health

Singing improves mood and is a great way to enjoy yourself and meet other people.

Fun not chores

Focus on fun activities rather than chores. Fun and new activities help stimulate, whereas everyday chores can do the opposite.

Fall prevention is critical

Fall prevention is critical! Falls can result in hospitalisations and are often easily preventable. Simple things like anti-slip mats, changing light bulbs as soon as they fail and removing mats and rugs from near stairs could prevent a serious injury.

Staying positive improves well-being

Positive mental attitude improves health. Not only does being positive improve your well-being, but studies show positive people live for longer too.

Keep important phone numbers safe

If you need to phone someone, it's always better if you have the phone number at hand.