Eating a varied and balanced diet is important for everyone. It helps make eating more enjoyable and will help you to stay healthy and active. If you find it difficult to tolerate the meals you used to eat, then try having smaller meals more frequently and with nutritious snacks in between. Also make sure that you drink plenty of liquids.

 

It's very important to eat regularly, at least three times a day. You might not always feel like cooking so you could increase your store of tinned, chilled and frozen ready-prepared meals. These will also be useful if you are unable to go out.

 

For some quick, easy recipes and top tips on healthy eating, contact the Food Standards Agency Wales on 029 2067 8999 for their free leaflets 'Recipe for Life' and 'The Good Life'

 

Alternatively, you can download the leaflets here:

 

'Eat Well, Age Well', a leaflet produced by Age Concern Cymru and Help the Aged in Wales also provides information on how making small changes to your diet can help you to stay healthy and active.

 

In Winter it's tempting to just stay indoors for most of the time, but getting out, meeting others and taking part in some sort of activity helps people feel cheerful and stay fit. There may be local walking groups or Ageing Well groups in your area. Call Age Concern Cymru and Help the Aged in Wales on 029 2043 1555, 9am - 5pm, Mon - Fri, or call your local council to find out what activities they provide.
 

Within two to twelve weeks of giving up smoking your circulation will improve and you'll find walking and exercise easier. Your body will be stronger and better able to cope with winter. It's never too late to give up smoking and many older smokers have quit using the free NHS Stop Smoking Wales service. Call them on 0800 085 2219.

Click here to download 'It's Never Too Late', a leaflet by Age Concern Cymru and Help the Aged in Wales which explains why it is important for older people to consider giving up smoking.