Top tips for your health and the cost of living

Find out about extra financial support

It's a good idea to check whether you might be entitled to some extra financial help. Our benefits calculator tool is a good place to help. 

Start the benefits calculator here

Keep the lights switched on

Keeping the lights switched on in the room that you're using is a good idea. Poor lighting increases your risk of falling and hurting yourself. 

Keep buying and taking medication

It's important to keep buying and taking any medication that you need.

It's helpful to remember that prescriptions are free for over 60s

Try to batch cook meals

Batch-cooking meals is a great way to save money on ingredients and on your energy bills. You can eat the leftovers the next day, or freeze them to have later on in the week. 

Make sure you're getting the help you're entitled to

With the costs of living rising, there are a number of schemes to help people with paying for their energy bills. It's a good idea to make sure you're getting all the help that you're entitled to.

Find out more about Government help for energy bills

Stay warm to stay well

If you're only keeping the heating turned on in the rooms you use the most, then make sure to keep it on at a steady temperature throughout the day. Stay wrapped up in multiple layers to stay warm. 

Keep in touch with loved ones

Try to keep in touch with family, friends and neighbours, whether in person or over the phone. It's important to stay connected with those around you to look after your mental wellbeing and it's a good reminder that you're probably not alone in how you're feeling. 

Check whether your broadband company is offering discounts on phone and internet packages (Ofcom)

Keep moving when you can

Try to keep moving, whether this means a walk around the block or some gentle chair-based exercises. Moving your body warms you up and is a good way to boost your mood. 

Find out more about getting active in later life

Think about your diet

Make sure you're still eating enough – something is better than nothing. But it's a good idea to get hot food and hot drinks into your diet because they can warm you up when it's cold.

The Malnutrition Task Force has some information on eating well, especially if you're struggling to eat enough

Be careful if you're using fires for light and warmth

It's important to be safe if you're using candles, portable heaters or open fires for warmth and light. 

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has general information and advice on staying fire-safe during the cost of living crisis

Buy frozen fruit and vegetables instead of fresh

Fruit and vegetables are a great way to get important vitamins and minerals into your diet, but they can be expensive. Buying them frozen is a good way to save money and still get the nutrition that you need. 

The Malnutrition Task Force has advice on shopping and cooking during the cost of living crisis