Growing older should be a positive, healthy and fulfilling experience — and in Blackburn with Darwen, we’re here to help make that possible. Ageing Well BwD is a new borough-wide campaign designed to support people aged 50 and over to stay active, connected and independent. Whether you’re looking for ways to boost your wellbeing, find local groups, stay steady on your feet, or simply feel more confident about ageing well, this is the place to start.
Every stage of life brings opportunities, and small steps can make a big difference. From mental wellbeing and physical activity to social connection, safety and local support services, Ageing Well BwD brings everything together in one easy, trusted place.
Ageing well is possible at any age — and you don’t have to do it alone.
Our Goal
To help you feel good now, stay independent for longer, and access the brilliant services and community support available across Blackburn with Darwen.
What Can You Find Here:
· Practical tips for living well at every age
· Local activities, groups and events you can get involved in
· Information on staying active, connected and independent
· Help with common worries — from loneliness and finances to winter wellbeing
· Leaflets, resources and ways to get support near you
Looking After Your Physical Health:
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.
Looking After Your Mental Health:
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.
Understanding Changes in Strength and Balance:
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.
How Vaccinations Support Healthy Ageing:
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.
Alcohol & Smoking: Taking a Fresh Look at What Works for You:
As we get older, many people notice that alcohol and smoking can affect them differently. You might find that alcohol feels stronger than it used to, or that it changes your sleep, balance or mood. Likewise, smoking may feel less helpful over time, and you may start to wonder what life could be like with fewer cigarettes — perhaps easier breathing, more stamina or fewer chest infections.
This can be a good moment to pause and reflect on what feels right for your wellbeing now. You might find it helpful to ask yourself:
· How do alcohol and smoking make me feel these days?
· Are there times when drinking less or smoking less leaves me clearer, more energetic or more comfortable?
· Would small changes help me feel steadier, more confident, or more in control of my health?
· How might cutting down fit with the lifestyle I want as I age?
Small steps can make a meaningful difference. Trying an alcohol free day, choosing lower strength drinks, having smaller measures, delaying your first cigarette or gradually cutting down can all help you explore what works best for you.
You’re in control, and any step—no matter how small—is valuable if it supports the way you want to feel as you age.
Smokefree Blackburn with Darwen – A Stop Smoking Service
Spark | Drug & alcohol support services in Blackburn with Darwen
Your Choices, Your Wellbeing
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 support staying independent, active and well for longer.
Many people find that even small adjustments can lead to:
· Feeling steadier and more confident
· More energy for daily activities
· Clearer mood and thinking
· Fewer health worries or interruptions
· A greater sense of control over their wellbeing
Whenever you feel ready to explore changes — big or small — supportive, non-judgemental help is available across Blackburn with Darwen. You’re in charge, and we’re here when you need us.
Blackburn-with-Darwen-Ageing-Well-Leaflet-1.pdf
Services Who Can Help You:
Re:fresh
Re:fresh and Blackburn with Darwen Council aim to support residents to improve their health and wellbeing. The Re:fresh team can support people returning to exercise after a break or those just beginning, offering classes such as walking, chair based exercise and walking netball. Support is also provided with healthy eating and staying connected. Click here to visit the website
Age UK
Whether you are not active at all, want to do a little more exercise or encourage someone else to get moving, Age UK runs a wide variety of exercise classes across the country including seated exercise, ballroom dancing and Zumba. There are also plenty of exercise videos on the website so you can stay active from the comfort of your own home. Click here to visit the website
Care Network
Whether it’s support for you or someone close to you, support at home or in your community, Care Network will do everything we can to inform you and connect you with quality services so that you can make choices which foster independent, healthy and safe lives. They offer support with wellbeing, your home including the safe trader scheme, the community and connecting people with others to create better opportunities for all. They also have a multi agency drop in hub for whole community with information on activities and support available borough wide. Click here to visit the website
NHS Health Checks
The NHS Health Check is a check-up for adults in England aged 40 to 74. It’s designed to spot early signs of stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes or dementia. As we get older, we have a higher risk of developing one of these conditions. An NHS Health Check helps find ways to lower this risk. More information can be found here. More information can be found here
