Ageing Well

As we get older, our bodies naturally change — but taking small, steady steps to look after your physical health can make a big difference to how confident, independent and well you feel day-to-day.

Small actions like regular short walks, stretching, or breaking up long periods of sitting all build up over time. These simple habits support your energy, mood and confidence, helping you stay independent for longer and keep doing the things you enjoy.

Whether you’re just beginning to be more active or looking for new ways to stay strong and steady, there’s support right here in Blackburn with Darwen to help you age well, at your own pace.

Find out more here

Good mental health is just as important as physical health. Life changes — such as retirement, bereavement, health worries or feeling less connected — can affect how we feel day to day. But small steps to look after your emotional wellbeing can really help.

Getting outside, chatting with a friend, trying a new hobby or joining a local group can all lift your mood and reduce stress. Staying connected and doing things you enjoy supports clearer thinking, better sleep and a stronger sense of purpose.

The good news? You don’t need to start with big changes. Little steps — taken regularly — help you stay independent for longer, keep doing the things you enjoy, and maintain the freedom to live life your way.

You can find local support services and more information here: Mental Health Support For Adults – Be Well BWD

Many people notice changes in strength and balance as they get older. For some, daily tasks take a little more energy; for others, it may feel like they’re less steady or strong than they used to be. These experiences don’t define you — they simply highlight opportunities to support your body.

This can be a good time to think about what’s important for your wellbeing:

· What activities do I want to stay confident doing?

· How do I want to feel as I move through daily life?

· What would help me feel safer, stronger or more supported?

Small steps like light strength building exercises, eating well, staying hydrated or joining local activity groups can all help build confidence and stability.

As we get older, our immune system becomes weaker, making infections like flu, pneumonia, COVID19, RSV and shingles more serious and harder to recover from. Vaccinations reduce the risk of severe illness, hospital stays and long term complications, helping people stay active and independent for longer.

There is also emerging evidence that preventing infections may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Infections such as flu and shingles can trigger inflammation and cardiovascular stress — factors linked to increased dementia risk. Vaccination may therefore play a role in protecting brain health as we age.

Free vaccinations make it easier for everyone to access this protection, supporting healthier ageing not just for individuals but also for families and communities.

Only you know what feels right for your body and your life. Taking a moment to reflect on alcohol or smoking is about giving yourself options — options that can help you stay independent, active, and well for longer.

As we get older, many people notice these habits affect them differently. Alcohol may feel stronger or impact sleep, balance, or mood, while smoking may feel less helpful over time. You might begin to notice the benefits of small changes — such as easier breathing, more energy, or fewer health concerns.

Even small adjustments can make a meaningful difference, helping you feel more confident, clearer in your thinking, and more in control of your wellbeing.

It can help to pause and ask yourself:

• How do alcohol and smoking make me feel these days?
• Do I notice benefits when I cut down?
• Would small changes help me feel steadier or more in control?
• How do these habits fit with how I want to live as I age?

Simple steps — like having an alcohol-free day, choosing lower-strength drinks, using smaller measures, delaying your first cigarette, or gradually cutting down — can help you explore what works for you.

Whenever you feel ready, supportive, non-judgemental help is available across Blackburn with Darwen.

You’re in control — and even small steps can make a big difference.

Smokefree Blackburn with Darwen – A Stop Smoking Service

Spark | Drug & alcohol support services in Blackburn with Darwen

There is lots of support available locally to help prevent falls, whether you haven’t had one, have experienced a couple of slips, or falls are becoming more frequent and are impacting on your daily life.

Changes to strength and balance is normal as we age and it is important to take small steps to prevent falls where ever we can. Whether that’s going to strength and balance classes, increasing your physical activity or reducing hazards around the house, there are services who can help.

For a free home check you can call or email Care Network who can advise and refer to services if you require. Call them on: 01254 507255, email: healthyhomes@carenetwork.org.uk or find out more on their website: Keeping safe at home | Care Network (Blackburn with Darwen) Ltd

If you are worried about trips outside the home RoSPA have made this short video here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9v_k4EI47wU

STEADY On!  Falls Prevention Service

The STEADY On! falls prevention service is part of the Intensive Home Support Service (IHSS). This non-clinical team assesses individuals at risk of falling in their homes.

The primary goal of STEADY On! is to maintain independence and safety for individuals, while also reducing hospital admissions caused by preventable falls.

STEADY On! supports individuals at risk of falling by offering a comprehensive service that includes self-care education sessions, community collaboration, one-on-one home assessments, structured sessions, and events.

STEADY On! is an evidence-based approach founded on key fall factors

• Slippers, feet and footwear
• Tablets and medication
• Environment and lighting
• Activity and exercise
• The question ‘Do you fall?’
• EYesight and vision

If you, a relative, neighbour, or friend could benefit from
a STEADY On assessment, you can self-refer at any time by contacting ICAT. With your consent, the team can refer you
to other services that support you at home, such as:

• IHSS
• AGE UK
• Social prescribing
• District Nursing
• Integrated therapy
• Lancashire Fire and Rescue
• Carers Link
• B with Us housing
• Department of Work and Pensions (including signposting for blue disability badges)

Referral process and opening times:

Referrals can be made by contacting ICAT at 01282 805989 (Intermediate Care Allocation Team), available 24 hours a day,
7 days a week.

Simply request a referral to STEADY On.

Assessments will take place Monday to Friday,
from 8:30am  to 4:30pm, on a mutually agreed day and time.

Introduction to IHSS (Intensive Home Support Service)

IHSS are a hospital avoidance service covering East Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen, where you can receive hospital level treatment in the comfort of your own home.

You may not require our support at this time, however you may have a diagnosis or condition that worsens over time, so by introducing ourselves now, you will have information, should you need our support in the future. 

What can we offer?

• We are open 24 hours, 7 days a week
• You can self-refer into the service by contacting ICAT – Intermediate Care Allocation Team, the referral hub on 01282 805989
• We can respond within two hours if you are acutely unwell
• We can prescribe medications
• We can monitor you virtually using technology enabled smart watches in our virtual ward
• We are a multidisciplinary team, and you will receive a visit by the most appropriate professional, this could be a Doctor, Consultant Practitioner, Nurse, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist or Assistant Practitioner

Typical conditions or presentations that we treat

• Exacerbation of COPD
• Exacerbation of heart failure
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• New confusion
• New skin infection
• Monitoring of abnormal blood tests
• Falls without obvious injury

This is not an exhaustive list, please contact ICAT on
01282 805989 where we can offer advice or signpost you to a more appropriate service if not us.

Conditions that we do NOT treat

• Chest pain central crushing (not relieved by GTN if available)
• Severe breathing difficulties (in comparison with normal)
• Loss of consciousness
• Facial/limb weakness
• New fit or seizure
• Bleeding (heavy or persistent)

Spinal or injury following trauma

Please contact 999 immediately.

Memory Makers at Age UK BwD

Living with memory loss or having a diagnosis of dementia can be difficult to come to terms with but many older people live very well with both. Age UK BwD trained staff use a technique called cognitive stimulation therapy which focuses on opinions rather than just facts or reminiscence. The sessions are small in size so that everyone feels comfortable and amongst friends and are tailored to the audience. There are a range of activities and sessions on offer including games, crafts, history, current affairs and music. The sessions have proven benefits of improving social confidence, speech and memory.

For more information please call Age UK BwD on 01254 266620 or read more on their website here: Age UK Blackburn with Darwen | Memory Makers – Cherry Tree Library