Protect your health and take that first step today
Staying well as we age isn't just about being active and staying connected; it's also about protecting your health by making informed choices and taking up opportunities such as vaccinations, and protecting your health through actions such as handwashing. There are free and accessible services that can help you take positive steps towards ageing well.
Attend your screening appointments
Screening helps detect potential health issues early, often before symptoms appear. The NHS offers a range of screening programmes for eligible age groups, including:
- Cancer screening (breast, bowel, cervical)
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening
Find out more about NHS screening programmes.
Book your NHS Health Check
If you're aged 40 to 74, and live in Norfolk, or are registered with a Norfolk GP practice, you may be eligible for a free NHS Health Check. This 20 to 30-minute check assesses your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and kidney disease, and offers tailored advice to help you stay healthy.
Find out more about NHS Health Checks.
Book your vaccinations
Vaccinations are one of the best ways to protect your health as you get older. Whether it's flu, COVID-19, or shingles, staying up to date with your jabs helps prevent serious illness and keeps you well.
You can find out when you, a family or friend should have any routine vaccine on the NHS vaccinations and when to have them webpage.
What vaccines are available?
You may be eligible for:
- COVID-19 vaccines - including seasonal boosters
- Flu vaccines - offered every autumn and winter
- Shingles vaccines - for people aged 70 and over
- Pneumococcal vaccines - to protect against pneumonia
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
- if you are aged 75 to 79, or
- you turned 80 years old after 1 September 2024
How to book your appointment
Booking is simple and can be done in a few ways:
- Online: Visit the NHS booking website to choose a time and place that suits you.
- By phone: Call 119 for free to book your COVID-19 vaccination.
- Through your GP: Many surgeries offer flu and shingles vaccines directly.
- Local pharmacies: Some offer walk-in or booked appointments.
Need help getting there?
If you need help with transport or mobility, support is available. Visit the Norfolk County Council Vaccinations page or speak to your GP surgery for advice.
Other ways to protect your health
Vaccinations and health checks are a great way to protect your health, but simple things at home, or whilst out and about are also important such as staying hydrated. Staying hydrated can help with your blood pressure, reduce the chances of headaches, help you stay focussed and alert, and reduce the risk of UTI's, among many other benefits. If you are on certain medications, please consult your pharmacist or GP for support, and below are some tips to help you stay hydrated:
- Use your favourite cup/mug/glass and keep it nearby and filled up
- If worried about reaching the toilet, record the amount you drink and time it takes to pass through you so you can plan
- Variety is fine, be that water, juice, herbal teas, coffee, and even ice lollies or similar water-based solids, fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, cucumber, lettuce and tomatoes
For further support and tips, please see the Age UK Norwich website, both or professionals and public:
More support for protecting your health
- Vision Norfolk - supporting people with vision impairment in communities to lead more fulfilling, independent lives
- Hear for Norfolk - supporting people with hearing loss and related conditions
- Drive safe - support for drivers aged 60 and over to stay safe whilst driving.
