Support in Later Life

While it is true that most people don’t have expectations of perfect health in later life, most people hope that their health and physical condition will be ‘good enough’ to do the things that matter to them; to go out and to socialise, to work for as long as they desire, and to be able to look after themselves, including washing and dressing, unaided. The reality is that while we are living for longer, a significant and increasing proportion of people are managing multiple health conditions and mobility problems from mid-life onwards. Of people aged 50 to 64, 23% have three or more long-term health conditions.

Health is more than just the absence of disease. It is our capacity to do the things we want. We must tackle the causes of preventable ill health and disability, such as smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise and excessive alcohol consumption to support our future selves.

The NHS has stop smoking services, staffed by trained stop smoking advisers, provided in a range of venues at times to suit you:

Please visit NHS Smokefree for more help to quit smoking (opens in new window), or call the East Riding Health Trainers on 0800 9177752 to book an appointment with a Stop Smoking Adviser.

Leeds Beckett University Research Project

Healthy Eating is very much of interest to Public Health in the East Riding and nationally. Some research on decision making about food is being conducted by Leeds Beckett University. If you would like to learn more about it and possibly take part, visit their Facebook page (opens in new window).

You can also access general advice on food, eating a healthy diet, losing weight, healthy recipes and more, available from NHS Live Well (opens in a new window) which is full of useful information and tips.

Realising you have a problem with alcohol is the first step to getting better, but it is often the hardest one. The Open Access Service (opens in a new window) offer an outreach service so you can probably be seen in confidence near where you live.

If you would like help and advice, or just want to discuss any problems you are having, you can contact the service in confidence Monday to Friday 9am-5pm:

Tel: (01482) 344690

There are many positives benefits which include:

• helps aid weight loss or maintain healthy weight
• keeping physically active helps keep your joints and body organs in good working condition
• increases your brain activity and energy levels
• improves your immune system which aids fighting disease and infection
• helps you relax and deal with stress and anxiety better
• gives you more energy so you don’t feel run down as easily
• boosts your self-confidence since you look and feel better
• Improves your quality of sleep

Walking

Choose from one of a great range of scenic walks in the East Riding to suit walkers of all levels. Our Walking the Riding website (opens in a new window) has hundreds of mapped out walks for you to choose from. 

Cycling outdoors

The East Riding is home to a wide range of cycling routes, from steady flatlands to vigorous and challenging hill climbs. 

Are there ways to keep fit for free?

Fitness doesn't have to be about joining a gym or spending money on fitness classes. There are many small lifestyle changes you can make to incorporate fitness into your life, which needn't cost you anything.

You could consider:

• walking – a simple, healthy form of exercise that can fit easily into a busy schedule
• cycling to school, work or college each day
• jogging or running just a few times a week can greatly improve your fitness
• There are many free workouts that can be watched directly from YouTube, or from your TV at home.

Take a look at our Staying Active page for more ideas.