Winter Health 2025
Age UK London's annual Winter Health campaign addresses the health challenges faced by older Londoners during the colder months.The campaign aims to empower people to make informed decisions about their physical and mental health including accessing balanced information on winter vaccines.
Everyone aged 65 and over is eligible for the free flu vaccine as well as the free covid vaccine.
Winter Posters and Leaflets
Every year, in partnership with NHS London, Age UK London produce A5 leaflets and A3 posters for older persons organisations and network partners. You can download the poster here or contact Sharon Tynan at stynan@ageuklondon.org.uk if you would like a supply of posters.
Winter Health Leaflet
You can download a copy of the A5 leaflet here produced in partnership with the NHS or contact Sharon Tynan stynan@ageuklondon.org.uk if you would like a supply of leaflets.
As the days get shorter and we head towards winter, it’s easy to want to curl up under a blanket until spring. But staying healthy over winter doesn’t have to feel like hard work, just a few small things can keep our bodies strong and our spirits high.
Staying active and warm Taking a short walk outside or even a few stretches at home can help to keep your joints supple and boost your mood and don’t forget that many local Age UKs across London offer free or discounted exercise classes. Eating a hot meal at least once a day is good for keeping you warm and well. Soup or stew full of vegetables, or maybe a bowl of porridge in the morning. Some people don’t like eating alone so it’s worth finding out about any lunch clubs or social clubs by checking with your local London borough Age UK. Our bodies tend to regulate temperature less efficiently as we age so it’s always a good idea to wear several thin layers of clothes rather than one thick item as the layers trap the heat better and keep our body heat in.
Protecting ourselves against illness
Viruses spread more easily in colder months because we tend to spend more time indoors and as we age, our immune system becomes less efficient at protecting us. Make sure to take up any free vaccines that you are eligible for, and don’t hesitate to contact your GP or local Pharmacist if you’re not feeling well, you can call the free NHS national vaccine helpline 📞 119 or book online here nhs.uk/bookflu
Most frequently asked questions on flu and the flu vaccine
Local GP's Dr Oge Ilozue and Dr Tehseen Khan answer some of the frequently asked questions on flu and the flu vaccines
Dr Oge Ilozue, London GP explains why you need to keep your vaccinations up to date every year.
During our health events Dr Oge covers many topics and explains how to stay healthy both in the winter and as we go into spring. The topics covered are varied from preparing a healthy breakfast and eating the rainbow to dealing with stiff joints and retaining mobility. You can also find out why you should have a flu vaccination in Dr Oge's video here.
You can view all our health advice videos with Dr Oge on our YouTube channel here.