International Day of Older People 2026: ‘What’s on your doorstep?’

Gardening, exercise, walking the dog – doing anything we enjoy is good for the soul and improves general wellbeing and happiness. Sometimes, getting a bit older can impact our ability to do the things we love, but that doesn’t mean we have to give up or stop altogether.

If doing what we have always done isn’t possible, there is support available to help us adapt to keep our mind and body active. Finding new things to do in later life can help to keep us physically and mentally well.

Find out more

From beating the heat in hot weather to staying safe and well in winter, you’ll find everything you need to keep well at home with Good Home Lincs.

Find information and advice on home improvements, maintenance, repairs and adaptations as well as tips to identify any work that needs to be done, financing repairs to improve energy efficiency, safety and security, and even moving home.

Every move counts and Active Lincolnshire is here to help you find a way to be active that works for you, whatever your age or ability!

Whether it’s finding something you enjoy doing or you want to try something different, the Let’s Move Activity Finder has lots of tips and guidance to help you to move more in a way that works for you.

Managing household finances can be a challenge, especially when costs increase or circumstances suddenly change.  Find information on Money Talk Lincs to help with reducing your energy bills, debt and budgeting advice, housing and practical support available including crisis assistance.

Search the Meals on Wheels UK database to find a provider who will deliver meals to your address.

It’s free to use and will help you find a range of meals which cater for your tastes, any special dietary or cultural requirements, delivered to your door, fresh or frozen.

Just enter your postcode to find a meals on wheels provider  who can deliver to you.

Lincolnshire libraries offers a welcoming, safe space with free access to computers, the internet and a wealth of physical and digital books, information and resources to anyone who lives, works or studies in the county.

They also host a range of activities and opportunities you can take part in, from reading groups and digital support sessions, to community events and mobile library services.

Find  your local library

If you’re an unpaid carer, then the Lincolnshire Carers Service has a wide range of information, advice and support. Whether you’re looking to meet other people in a similar situation to yours or would like to tap into online support, contact the Lincolnshire Carers Service to find out about how they can support you in your role.

You can also join CarersUK Care for a Cuppa online events - weekly chats over Zoom where you can meet other carers, share experiences and find mutual support.

You can now plan your journey, check all Lincolnshire bus timetables and find out more about concessionary bus passes all in one place on the Lincsbus website. From here you can find out about Callconnect which serves 800 towns and villages across Lincolnshire and download the free City Mapper app which provides up-to-the-minute information on buses, trains, walking routes and more. Or call 0345 456 4474 to speak to an advisor.

You can also find information about community transport, including voluntary car schemes which focus on offering their services for medical appointments, on the CVS Lincolnshire website.

Visit the community directories to start your search

From smart speakers and smart phones, to lifelines, motion sensor night lights and falls detector watches, these are just some of the things supporting people to live safely and independently in their own homes. 

There’s a whole range of gadgets available to help people maintain their independence whilst offering reassurance to families and carers.

Simple tools such as jar openers to advanced smart home systems. Visit the interactive house tools to find out more about assistive technology and equipment to help make daily life a little easier.

Lincolnshire Co-op’s Wellbeing Walks are short walks, run by friendly, specially trained volunteer walk leaders who are on hand to provide encouragement and support. All walks are free and are open to everyone - you don’t need to preregister, just turn up.

The routes start and finish at the same location as advertised and last between 30 minutes to an hour-and-a-half. Don’t worry about your fitness level - walks are over easy terrain and at a steady pace to suit everyone and most are followed by a chat and a cup of tea in a nearby café!

Find a Lincolnshire Co-op Wellbeing Walk

Wellbeing Lincs helps people in Lincolnshire live well, stay independent and feel connected to their communities, helping people overcome challenges and make the most of everyday life by:

• finding appropriate small aids or pieces of equipment and fitting them, or making minor alterations
• helping people who live with long-term health conditions to improve their quality of life
• supporting with managing household budgets or using gadgets and digital technology in the home

To make a referral to Wellbeing Lincs call 01522 782140.

The Virtual Village Hall is a free online activity hub and community to help people stay mentally and physically active, socially connected and having fun.

It’s free to join and take part online, with no sign-in or subscription required.

Activities include gentle exercise and dance classes, with adapted, seated and chair-based sessions, yoga and meditation, crafts and cooking, creative writing, quizzes, interesting talks and more.

Visit The Virtual Village Hall for more information.

Support for people living with dementia and their carers is available across Lincolnshire.

From dementia cafés and memory groups to specialist advice and community activities, local organisations such as Age UK Lincolnshire, Alzheimer's Society and Bob's Brainwaves offer welcoming support to help people stay connected and live well.

Explore the services available and find the right support for you.

H.A.Y. Lincolnshire (How Are You?) is a free online directory with over 600 local groups, support services, educational courses and resources to help you take care of your mental health and emotional wellbeing.

You can also find your local Community Wellbeing Hub which is supported by Community Connectors . Hubs are a great place to visit if you are experiencing mental health and wellbeing challenges, want to take up a new hobby or activity, or reduce loneliness and isolation. Visit www.haylincolnshire.co.uk for more information.

Age UK Lincolnshire offers a wide range of support and services for people over 50 years of age and their families.

From gardening to cleaning services, help to get resettled back at home after a hospital stay or information about activities and events available all-year-round to support your wellbeing and help you feel included, Age UK has it covered.

Find out more by visiting the Age UK website or download the Guide to Services.