wellbeing
Bexley’s Ageing Well This year’s Ageing Well event went live online in October at www.bexley.gov.uk/ageing-well-virtual-event-2020 It brings together 57 providers in one place, so that older people and their families can easily find out information on support and services on offer in Bexley. “This is the fourth year for this event which goes from strength to strength. For obvious reasons we’ve had to do things differently in 2020. It’s still a great chance for Bexley residents to make connections with local providers.”
Cllr Brad Smith, Cabinet Member for Adult Services We’ve highlighted a few of the providers at our 2020 Ageing Well online event and some residents who have benefitted from their services. You’ll find much more at www.bexley. gov.uk/ageing-well-virtualevent-2020
Age UK Bexley A local charity that wants everyone in Bexley to love later life. At www.ageuk.org. uk/bexley you can join their Befriending Cafes, use their day centres, or bring your skills to their Men’s Shed to meet new people. They also offer respite and community-based outreach support and have a specialist dementia pathway. “It has been great to be part of ‘The Ageing Well
Event’ every year. It was with delight that the event took place virtually this year. The opportunity to showcase our day care services at such a time, was great, as so many people told us that they were lonely and isolated. Please keep the event going.” Anne Bygrave, Care Services Manager and Safeguarding Lead www.ageuk.org.uk/bexley
Walxinbexley staying active Provides a weekly timetable of online bookable exercise, which includes virtual home circuits and virtual Chair Chi Ball. Sessions cost £3 a person. The exercises are gentle and suitable for everyone, with seated and standing options designed for cardiac rehabilitation. Book now at https://walxinbexley.co.uk/ Emily from Blackfen said: “My mum has suffered from arthritis for many years and this gentle approach to exercise has helped her mobility enormously. We helped mum get online during lockdown and she has been following the routines using an iPad. This has helped her keep in touch socially. I have also joined the classes now and it fits in well with my work-from-home routine.”
Keep warm and well Here are some top tips to help older and more vulnerable people stay warm and well.
X keep draughts at bay with draught Winter Fuel Payment excluders Most people born before 5 October X wear layered clothing
1954 are entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment to help with heating X move around X have regular hot drinks and hot costs. Call the Winter Fuel Payment food, such as porridge, soups and helpline on 0800 731 0214 or visit www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment stews Visit www.ageuk.org.uk/winter X use a hot water bottle or heat bag for more tips and advice. X stock up on medicines for colds X heat the main room in your home and sore throats to at least 18C
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