'It's never too late': Norfolk County Council is supporting healthy ageing

Looking after your health as you get older is not just a recommendation - it's a vital investment in your future quality of life. Evidence shows that staying physically active, keeping up with recommended vaccinations and screenings, and maintaining social connections are among the strongest predictors of how well you age. These actions play a direct role in preventing illnesses, reducing the risk of falls and long-term conditions, and supporting mental wellbeing. 

Norfolk is home to one of the highest ageing populations in the UK. Now, the county council's Public Health department has launched a new campaign to encourage residents aged 50 and over to prioritise their health so they can live healthier, more connected lives as they age.  

The campaign is centred around a brand new Healthy Ageing subsite, called 'It's never too late', which highlights resources, guidance and opportunities to help residents make positive changes to their health and wellbeing. 

This includes: 

• Protecting your health: information on vaccination eligibility and booking, NHS screening appointments, and NHS health checks. 
• Being active: information on moving more, strength and balance, falls prevention, and finding local groups.  
• Feeling connected: finding clubs, groups and one-to-one support, building new connections, and practical guidance on transport and digital skills. 

Councillor Fran Whymark, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Adults who keep up with essential vaccines and health checks, move regularly, and stay socially connected are more likely age positively. It means they can remain independent, avoid preventable hospital admissions, and enjoy a greater sense of purpose and happiness later in life. If you're aged 50 or over, now is the perfect time to take stock of your lifestyle and identify ways in which you can improve. 

"This could be anything from doing gentle exercise such as walking more often, to connecting with others by joining community groups or activities, or ensuring you book your vaccinations and health screenings when you're invited. 

"It's never too late to start. A little change now could make a big difference to your health and wellbeing as you get older." 

Whether you are already active and well, or you are beginning to feel a shift in how you feel, investing more in your health now can help positively shape your next 10 years. 

Dr Frankie Swords, Executive Medical Director for NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: "It's never too late to make healthy life choices - from being physically active, to stopping smoking, but going into winter, vaccines are your best protection against common viruses which circulate this time of year. 

"The older you are, the more likely you are to have serious health complications if you catch a virus, which is why we prioritise vaccines for older people. 

"Depending on your age, you may be offered flu, COVID-19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), shingles, and pneumococcal vaccines. 

"It's never too late to protect your health. Book your vaccinations as soon as you are invited to do so by the NHS." 

To explore the new webpage and find out more, visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/healthyageing.