Health Column: Healthy Ageing in Wigan Borough- it's about living well, not just living longer

Health Column: Healthy Ageing in Wigan Borough- it's about living well, not just living longer

As we get older, staying healthy isn’t just about avoiding illness, it’s about feeling good, staying active and connected, and enjoying life. Wigan Borough is home to more than 66,000 people aged 65 and over. Encouragingly, almost 8 in 10 older adults say they’re in good health. As more of us live longer, it’s important that we focus on helping older adults stay healthy, active, and independent for as long as possible.

Getting older doesn’t mean you have to slow down. It can be a time to enjoy life even more. With a few small changes to your daily routine, you can stay strong, feel connected to others, and keep doing the things you love.

There are simple ways you can stay well as you age:

• Keep your mind active: Try puzzles, reading, music, or crafts
• Move daily: Walk, stretch, or do chair exercises
• Eat and drink well: Choose fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich foods like eggs or beans. Drink water often and cut back on sugary snacks and alcohol
• Sleep well: Stick to a routine and avoid caffeine at night
• Look after yourself: Do things you enjoy and talk to someone if you feel low
• Stay on top of your health: Attend check-ups and take medications as advised
• Feel good: Keep up with personal care and ask for help when needed
• Stay connected: Join local groups and keep in touch with friends and family

There is some brilliant local support in place to help with this. Through the Ageing in Place Pathfinder (AIPP), areas like Worsley Mesnes, Hawkley Hall, and Goose Green are becoming more age-friendly with safer pavements, more benches, and warm, welcoming spaces shaped by the needs of older residents.

For example, Clifton Street Community Centre now has a new cinema setup with a huge screen and audio system, linked with the Family Hub to encourage intergenerational activities. Over at Scotman’s Flash, the new changing rooms and toilet facilities near the AIPP pod will make the Flash of Inspiration sessions even more inclusive.

And, at St Paul’s Church, a community oven is now providing hot meals both in the church and delivered to residents who may be struggling. These residents were identified by the church’s walking group, who’ve been out leafleting and door knocking to connect with the community.

It’s a great example of how local action can make a real difference.

Services like Be Well Wigan provide personalised fitness, lifestyle, and wellbeing support, helping residents make informed choices about their health through 1 to 1 coaching, group activities, and access to local resources. Age UK Wigan Borough is a valuable resource, offering practical help with finances, home support, and opportunities to stay socially connected ensuring that people feel empowered and informed at every stage of life.  A wide range of information on ageing well, including guidance on care services, staying active, and maintaining independence in later life can be found on our Keeping fit and well page.

Together, we can make Wigan Borough a place where everyone has the chance to age well and live life to the fullest. For more information visit Age UK (external link)