Healthy Conversations - Let's talk...ageing

This month’s Healthy Conversations campaign is on ageing, and we’re inviting residents of all ages to discuss how you feel about getting older, what steps you can take to maintain your physical and mental wellbeing, and where to go for support.

The Healthy Conversations campaign is all about sparking open, supportive conversations across our city about different health topics. Conversations help to reduce stigma and build networks of support.

Over the next four weeks, we’ll be sharing residents’ stories, new data, practical advice and local services. We’ll also look at how ageing is approached in different communities and in our city.

Ageing in our city

Brighton & Hove’s population aged 65 and over has grown by 9.5% to 39,100 in recent years, while the number of adults aged 48 to 62 increased by 32%, according to the 2021 census.

Many older adults live alone - 38% of those aged 66+ - higher than regional and national averages. Nearly 9,271 older people (18.7% of those aged 60+) live in income deprivation - the second highest rate in the South East.

These trends bring health challenges, such as falls, frailty, long-term conditions, isolation, and mental health concerns, which all become more common as we age.

But evidence shows that staying active, socially connected, and supported makes a significant difference.

Staying healthy as you age

• Stay active - regular gentle exercise builds strength, balance, and mobility.
• Stay connected - engaging socially reduces loneliness, which has been linked to cognitive decline and poorer mental health.
• Plan and participate – finding out about community-based activities and getting involved at local hubs helps with knowing where to go for support.
• Prevent health risks - immunisations, health checks, hearing and sight tests and early interventions reduce risks of falls, dementia, and frailty.

Getting the right support

Brighton & Hove offers support through programmes, services, and community partnerships:

• Ageing Well Partnership – Connecting people aged 50+ to activities, advice, volunteering, and social groups.
• Ageing Well Festival (26 September to 10 October) – A city-wide celebration of activity, community, and wellbeing for residents 50+.
• Ageing Well Directories - resources to let you know about support, services, groups and activities available to the 50+ community in Brighton & Hove.
• Age & Dementia Friendly Brighton & Hove – a programme working in partnership with residents and key organisations to build a city where everyone can be supported to lead healthy and active lives.
• The Hop 50+ - a community space offering social and physical activities and a cafe.
• The Hangleton & Knoll Project - The HK50+ programme offers free and low-cost in-person and online groups and activities available.

Challenging stigma around ageing

Too often, ageing is framed negatively. Our campaign aims to shift that narrative - ageing is about wisdom, resilience, and continued contribution to our community.

By talking more about ageing and health, residents know what’s available locally, feel included in their communities and feel valued and confident as they grow older.

Find out more about ageism and how we can challenge it in our communities on the Age without limits website. 

Get involved

Join in the Healthy Conversation campaign by having open, supportive conversations about health topics with friends, family, neighbours and colleagues and sharing Healthy Conversations campaign posts on social media.

Stay tuned for more tips, stories, and opportunities to get involved via our social media and local community spaces.