The Elder
News and interviews
Browse interviews, advice and research on later life, from leading experts in the UK social care community.
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- LATEST
Tackling ageism in society and care
We spoke to the Centre for Ageing Better about their ‘Age Without Limits’ campaign. Find out about the devastating impact ageism, and how we can all do our part to change negative perceptions of later life.
More than just a pet – Interview with Give a Dog a Bone Founder Louise Russell
Give a Dog a Bone founder Louise Russell discusses her mission to provide companionship for elderly individuals through the love and comfort of pets. Learn more about her inspiring work
Neurodiversity and ageing – What do we know?
In this guest think piece Professor Amanda Kirby discusses how far we’ve come in understanding neurodiversity in later life, and how far we still have to go.
Struggling to talk about care? Elder’s latest survey finds you’re not alone.
Back to News page > Quick overview A recent survey from Elder – a leading live-in care marketplace, found just 27 percent of older people who either need care now,
How can caregivers overcome sleep problems?
We asked Channel 4 sleep expert Stephanie Romiszewski about the impact of poor sleep, and how caregivers can break unhealthy sleep cycles.
The therapeutic power of gardening: Advice from Thrive
We recently asked Thrive – a national charity that uses gardening to improve wellbeing – about the therapeutic power of gardening.
The Cares Family on the power of intergenerational friendships
We recently spoke to The Cares Family, to find out more about the benefits of spending time with someone from a different generation.
Eating well in colder months – 4 tips for older adults from a nutritionist
We asked a Nutritionist from myFood24, for their advice on how the elderly can eat well during colder months.
Improving dementia support in Black communities
We spoke to Feyi Raimi-Abraham from the The Black Dementia Company about the importance of culture and roots within the dementia journey.
ElWell’s Nancy Farmer on reversing the ‘de-conditioning’ pandemic
We spoke with Nancy Farmer from ElWell about the after-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on older adults’ mobility.
Improve memory and mental Health: 25 brain games for older people
The following 25 brain games may improve your loved one’s long and short-term memory and help to prevent feelings of loneliness.
Can leisure activities protect you from dementia?
Elder spoke to Pamela Almeida-Meza from UCL, who recently investigated whether our leisure activities can reduce dementia risk.
Interview with Adam Hillier, from Legal & General Retail Retirement
We spoke to Adam Hillier from Legal & General Retail Retirement on being more proactive about financial planning for later life.
Self Directed Futures founder Chris Watson on care personalisation
Chris Watson talks to Elder about creating more choice and creativity within care.
Does eating processed meat really increase dementia risk?
Elder spoke to Professor Janet Cade and Huifeng Zhang, to find the truth between processed meat and dementia risk.
Lee Moran on Home First – success, progress and shaping future services
We talk with Lee Moran, Home First Service Lead at Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust on how the Home First system is working in his local area.
Understanding ‘Home First’ – Featuring an interview with Sarah Mitchell
We explore the potential benefits of a Home First strategy in relieving hospital capacity pressures by getting older people back home safely.
A new social contract for carers after COVID-19: An interview with the IPPR
Find out more about a new social contract for carers after COVID-19, in our interview with Chris Thomas from the IPPR.
The power of psychotherapy in later life – Dr Liz Forbat and Lorraine-Davies Smith
We discuss the principles of family therapy, the impact of ageing on mental health and how to raise the issue of care with loved ones.
Elder Attitudes Survey: How COVID-19 is impacting the life and outlook of the elderly
The latest Elder Attitudes survey explores the way in which COVID-19 is impacting lives and reshaping attitudes among the elderly.
How to get what you deserve: An interview with Andrew Farley on NHS Continuing Healthcare
Andrew Farley is the UK’s foremost expert on NHS Continuing Healthcare. We spoke to him about his work and how to best approach NHS funding.
On your side: The power of advocacy – Helen Moulinos, POhWER
We talk to Helen Moulinos about the work of POhWER and the personal stories of those they’ve helped. Read more here.
Live-in care agency finds 1 in 3 elderly people more lonely in wake of COVID-19
Elderly care research has confirmed fears of a loneliness epidemic growing during the lockdown for over 70s.
16 Stimulating Dementia Activities To Try With Your Loved One
It’s vital for those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s to keep the mind engaged. The following 16 activities can help.
Dr Sarita Robinson on the Impact of Social Isolation on the Human Brain
Dr Sarita Robinson discusses the effects of social distancing on the brain, and how a lack of contact impacts people with Alzheimer’s
Selina Rajan on self-isolating while providing and receiving care
Public health expert Selina Rajan discusses keeping care recipients and carers safe during COVID-19 lockdown.
The Psychological Effects of Self-Isolating on the Elderly: An Interview with Dr. Louisa Jackman
Dr Jackman discusses the impact of self-isolation on the elderly and gives tips and advice for those navigating through Covid-19.
Egon Cossou on Being a Family Carer and BBC presenter
Producer and presenter Egon Cossou juggles a busy job at the BBC with caring for his mother. We talked to him about the joys and challenges.
Cathal Gurrin on how lifelogging can help those with dementia
Cathal Gurrin explains how lifelogging – recording everyday experiences through sensors and cameras, could benefit people with dementia.
Not Just Caring, Enabling: Anne Kelly on the Montessori Approach to Dementia Care
Anne Kelly explains the advantages of a radical and truly person-centred way of supporting those living with dementia.
How poor dental health may leave you at a higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease
Dive into the link between dental health and Alzheimer’s and talk about ways to have a healthier mouth.
Living Words and The Power of Being Heard: An Interview with Susanna Howard
Susanna Howard talks to us about the power of being heard and helping those living with dementia to express themselves through writing.
The Hidden Housing Crisis: An Interview with Lord Best
Lord Richard Best discusses the pressing issues of social housing for elderly people in the UK and the political landscape around them.
How a “sing-along” with Goldies is changing the lives of isolated people across the UK
When Grenville Jones set up the first Golden Oldies, he had no idea that his singing groups for older people would be so successful.
The Power of Community: An Interview with Symone from the Sevenoaks Dementia Forum
We talked to Symone Salwan about what it takes to bring a community together to support its most vulnerable elderly members.
Smart Monitoring in Homes: An Interview with Howz
We talked to Louise Rogerson about how technology can help older people to maintain their independence.
The Challenges of Vegetarians and Vegans Living with Dementia
We talk to Amanda Woodvine about the challenges faced by older vegetarians and vegans receiving care. Read more here.
Looking Back Together: Transforming Reminiscence for Older People and Those Living with Dementia
We talk to Brian Norris about the power of collective memory to open up the past in a positive way for those in later life.
Life After Diagnosis: Connecting with Those Living with Dementia
We talked to Gina Awad about her ongoing vision for raising change and awareness and why there is always more to do.
Picassos in the Park: An Interview with Founders Chloe Trayler-Smith and Laura Chevalier
The Picassos in the Park programme provides support and inspiration to people living with early-stage dementia and their carers.
How to Age Without Fear and Be Bolder: An Interview with Dominique Afacan
We talked to Dominique Afacan about the impact that Bolder has had on her life and on the narrative around ageing in society.
More Than Your Thoughts: How Meditation Can Expand Your World in Later Life
Bart Mendel tells us more about Mindworks – an online meditation system to help a wider audience experience the transformative benefits of meditation.
What Dementia Has Taught Wendy Mitchell: Why She is No Longer Afraid
We talked to Wendy Mitchell about how dementia has changed her sense of self, the power of peer support and why she’s up for a new challenge.
How Faith Communities Can Support Living with Dementia
Rodie Garland discusses what faith can offer those living with dementia – and what it can teach us about the bigger questions of self-identity
Living with Dementia: What Dementia Teaches Us About Love
Nicci Gerrard talks about dementia, the essence of identity and the questions raised in her new book What Dementia Teaches Us About Love.
Declaring independence from loneliness: Simon from Independent Age
We spoke with Simon Hewett-Avison from Independent Age about how we can tackle the stigma around loneliness.
The Longevity Dividend: The Economic Benefit of Living Longer
We talk to ILC Director David Sinclair about the impact of the social and economic solutions we lay down now on generations to come.
Put choice at the heart of social care reform
With social care, let’s not allow debates on funding and ‘free-at-the-point-of-use’ blind us from the actual care that’s being delivered.
Why The PinkNews Ageing Summit Is So Important
Cai Wilshaw from PinkNews talks about the LGBT+ publisher’s first ever summit on ageing and the experience of later life.
Living Long and Well: The Role of Physiotherapy
Karen Middleton discusses the benefits of staying active in later life and the evolution of physiotherapists into NHS primary care providers.
Living with Dementia: The Power of Connection through Words
We talked to Pippa Kelly about the power of connection through words and the increased visibility of dementia in the media.
Digital Health and Dementia: The Potential is Immense
Interview with Dr Kieren Egan about his research developing innovations in collaboration with those with dementia and carers from the start.
Understanding Equity Release in Later Life with Jim Boyd, CEO at The Equity Release Council
We talk to Jim Boyd about the evolution of equity release and the potential of housing wealth in the social and healthcare space.
Culture Change and Dementia Care: Why The Two Should be Intertwined
We talked to Claire Surr about the importance of training and culture change for effective dementia support in the workplace and beyond.
The Invisible Demographic: Empowering those Growing Older Without Children
We talked to Kirsty Woodard about the challenges of growing older without adult children.
How No Isolation is challenging loneliness in the modern age
Here we talked to Karen Dolva co-founder of No Isolation about the potential of technology to meet the challenge of elderly loneliness.
Defining Ageing as a Privilege: Viewing Ageing in a New Light with Carl Honoré
We talked to Carl Honoré about the challenges of growing older in a world that presents ageing as a problem, rather than a privilege.
Intergenerational Care: Apples and Honey Nightingale, the UK’s First Nursery/Care Home
We talked to Judith Ish-Horowicz, Principle of Apples and Honey Nursery, the first social enterprise to join forces with a residential home.
Growing Older: Why Wales Can Become the Best Place in the World to Grow Older
We talked to Heléna Herklots about her aims for her tenure and why she feels Wales can become the “best place in the world to grow older”.
Parkinson’s disease: The Developments and Challenges of New Brain Therapies
We talk to Dr. Emma Lane’s about the potential and efficacy of delivering medicine for those living with Parkinson’s.
Age-Friendly Manchester: Amplifying the Voice of Older People in Society
An interview with Age-Friendly Manchester leader, Susan Cooley who has been at the forefront of the city’s move to age inclusivity.
How ageist is our society? – Interview with the Centre for Ageing Better
Ahead of their Action Day on the 20th March, we spoke to the Centre for Ageing Better about their pioneering ‘Age Without Limits’ campaign which is encouraging everyone to take
More than just a pet – Interview with Give a Dog a Bone Founder Louise Russell
Give a Dog a Bone founder Louise Russell discusses her mission to provide companionship for elderly individuals through the love and comfort of pets. Learn more about her inspiring work
Neurodiversity and ageing – What do we know?
In this guest think piece Professor Amanda Kirby discusses how far we’ve come in understanding neurodiversity in later life, and how far we still have to go.
Struggling to talk about care? Elder’s latest survey finds you’re not alone.
Back to News page > Quick overview A recent survey from Elder – a leading live-in care marketplace, found just 27 percent of older people who either need care now,
How can caregivers overcome sleep problems?
We asked Channel 4 sleep expert Stephanie Romiszewski about the impact of poor sleep, and how caregivers can break unhealthy sleep cycles.
The therapeutic power of gardening: Advice from Thrive
We recently asked Thrive – a national charity that uses gardening to improve wellbeing – about the therapeutic power of gardening.
The Cares Family on the power of intergenerational friendships
We recently spoke to The Cares Family, to find out more about the benefits of spending time with someone from a different generation.
Eating well in colder months – 4 tips for older adults from a nutritionist
We asked a Nutritionist from myFood24, for their advice on how the elderly can eat well during colder months.
Improving dementia support in Black communities
We spoke to Feyi Raimi-Abraham from the The Black Dementia Company about the importance of culture and roots within the dementia journey.
ElWell’s Nancy Farmer on reversing the ‘de-conditioning’ pandemic
We spoke with Nancy Farmer from ElWell about the after-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on older adults’ mobility.
Improve memory and mental Health: 25 brain games for older people
The following 25 brain games may improve your loved one’s long and short-term memory and help to prevent feelings of loneliness.
Can leisure activities protect you from dementia?
Elder spoke to Pamela Almeida-Meza from UCL, who recently investigated whether our leisure activities can reduce dementia risk.
Interview with Adam Hillier, from Legal & General Retail Retirement
We spoke to Adam Hillier from Legal & General Retail Retirement on being more proactive about financial planning for later life.
Self Directed Futures founder Chris Watson on care personalisation
Chris Watson talks to Elder about creating more choice and creativity within care.
Does eating processed meat really increase dementia risk?
Elder spoke to Professor Janet Cade and Huifeng Zhang, to find the truth between processed meat and dementia risk.
Lee Moran on Home First – success, progress and shaping future services
We talk with Lee Moran, Home First Service Lead at Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust on how the Home First system is working in his local area.
Understanding ‘Home First’ – Featuring an interview with Sarah Mitchell
We explore the potential benefits of a Home First strategy in relieving hospital capacity pressures by getting older people back home safely.
A new social contract for carers after COVID-19: An interview with the IPPR
Find out more about a new social contract for carers after COVID-19, in our interview with Chris Thomas from the IPPR.
The power of psychotherapy in later life – Dr Liz Forbat and Lorraine-Davies Smith
We discuss the principles of family therapy, the impact of ageing on mental health and how to raise the issue of care with loved ones.
Elder Attitudes Survey: How COVID-19 is impacting the life and outlook of the elderly
The latest Elder Attitudes survey explores the way in which COVID-19 is impacting lives and reshaping attitudes among the elderly.
How to get what you deserve: An interview with Andrew Farley on NHS Continuing Healthcare
Andrew Farley is the UK’s foremost expert on NHS Continuing Healthcare. We spoke to him about his work and how to best approach NHS funding.
On your side: The power of advocacy – Helen Moulinos, POhWER
We talk to Helen Moulinos about the work of POhWER and the personal stories of those they’ve helped. Read more here.
Live-in care agency finds 1 in 3 elderly people more lonely in wake of COVID-19
Elderly care research has confirmed fears of a loneliness epidemic growing during the lockdown for over 70s.
16 Stimulating Dementia Activities To Try With Your Loved One
It’s vital for those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s to keep the mind engaged. The following 16 activities can help.
Dr Sarita Robinson on the Impact of Social Isolation on the Human Brain
Dr Sarita Robinson discusses the effects of social distancing on the brain, and how a lack of contact impacts people with Alzheimer’s
Selina Rajan on self-isolating while providing and receiving care
Public health expert Selina Rajan discusses keeping care recipients and carers safe during COVID-19 lockdown.
The Psychological Effects of Self-Isolating on the Elderly: An Interview with Dr. Louisa Jackman
Dr Jackman discusses the impact of self-isolation on the elderly and gives tips and advice for those navigating through Covid-19.
Egon Cossou on Being a Family Carer and BBC presenter
Producer and presenter Egon Cossou juggles a busy job at the BBC with caring for his mother. We talked to him about the joys and challenges.
Cathal Gurrin on how lifelogging can help those with dementia
Cathal Gurrin explains how lifelogging – recording everyday experiences through sensors and cameras, could benefit people with dementia.
Not Just Caring, Enabling: Anne Kelly on the Montessori Approach to Dementia Care
Anne Kelly explains the advantages of a radical and truly person-centred way of supporting those living with dementia.
How poor dental health may leave you at a higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease
Dive into the link between dental health and Alzheimer’s and talk about ways to have a healthier mouth.
Living Words and The Power of Being Heard: An Interview with Susanna Howard
Susanna Howard talks to us about the power of being heard and helping those living with dementia to express themselves through writing.
The Hidden Housing Crisis: An Interview with Lord Best
Lord Richard Best discusses the pressing issues of social housing for elderly people in the UK and the political landscape around them.
How a “sing-along” with Goldies is changing the lives of isolated people across the UK
When Grenville Jones set up the first Golden Oldies, he had no idea that his singing groups for older people would be so successful.
The Power of Community: An Interview with Symone from the Sevenoaks Dementia Forum
We talked to Symone Salwan about what it takes to bring a community together to support its most vulnerable elderly members.
Smart Monitoring in Homes: An Interview with Howz
We talked to Louise Rogerson about how technology can help older people to maintain their independence.
The Challenges of Vegetarians and Vegans Living with Dementia
We talk to Amanda Woodvine about the challenges faced by older vegetarians and vegans receiving care. Read more here.
Looking Back Together: Transforming Reminiscence for Older People and Those Living with Dementia
We talk to Brian Norris about the power of collective memory to open up the past in a positive way for those in later life.
Life After Diagnosis: Connecting with Those Living with Dementia
We talked to Gina Awad about her ongoing vision for raising change and awareness and why there is always more to do.
Picassos in the Park: An Interview with Founders Chloe Trayler-Smith and Laura Chevalier
The Picassos in the Park programme provides support and inspiration to people living with early-stage dementia and their carers.
How to Age Without Fear and Be Bolder: An Interview with Dominique Afacan
We talked to Dominique Afacan about the impact that Bolder has had on her life and on the narrative around ageing in society.
More Than Your Thoughts: How Meditation Can Expand Your World in Later Life
Bart Mendel tells us more about Mindworks – an online meditation system to help a wider audience experience the transformative benefits of meditation.
What Dementia Has Taught Wendy Mitchell: Why She is No Longer Afraid
We talked to Wendy Mitchell about how dementia has changed her sense of self, the power of peer support and why she’s up for a new challenge.
How Faith Communities Can Support Living with Dementia
Rodie Garland discusses what faith can offer those living with dementia – and what it can teach us about the bigger questions of self-identity
Living with Dementia: What Dementia Teaches Us About Love
Nicci Gerrard talks about dementia, the essence of identity and the questions raised in her new book What Dementia Teaches Us About Love.
Declaring independence from loneliness: Simon from Independent Age
We spoke with Simon Hewett-Avison from Independent Age about how we can tackle the stigma around loneliness.
The Longevity Dividend: The Economic Benefit of Living Longer
We talk to ILC Director David Sinclair about the impact of the social and economic solutions we lay down now on generations to come.
Put choice at the heart of social care reform
With social care, let’s not allow debates on funding and ‘free-at-the-point-of-use’ blind us from the actual care that’s being delivered.
Why The PinkNews Ageing Summit Is So Important
Cai Wilshaw from PinkNews talks about the LGBT+ publisher’s first ever summit on ageing and the experience of later life.
Living Long and Well: The Role of Physiotherapy
Karen Middleton discusses the benefits of staying active in later life and the evolution of physiotherapists into NHS primary care providers.
Living with Dementia: The Power of Connection through Words
We talked to Pippa Kelly about the power of connection through words and the increased visibility of dementia in the media.
Digital Health and Dementia: The Potential is Immense
Interview with Dr Kieren Egan about his research developing innovations in collaboration with those with dementia and carers from the start.
Understanding Equity Release in Later Life with Jim Boyd, CEO at The Equity Release Council
We talk to Jim Boyd about the evolution of equity release and the potential of housing wealth in the social and healthcare space.
Culture Change and Dementia Care: Why The Two Should be Intertwined
We talked to Claire Surr about the importance of training and culture change for effective dementia support in the workplace and beyond.
The Invisible Demographic: Empowering those Growing Older Without Children
We talked to Kirsty Woodard about the challenges of growing older without adult children.
How No Isolation is challenging loneliness in the modern age
Here we talked to Karen Dolva co-founder of No Isolation about the potential of technology to meet the challenge of elderly loneliness.
Defining Ageing as a Privilege: Viewing Ageing in a New Light with Carl Honoré
We talked to Carl Honoré about the challenges of growing older in a world that presents ageing as a problem, rather than a privilege.
Intergenerational Care: Apples and Honey Nightingale, the UK’s First Nursery/Care Home
We talked to Judith Ish-Horowicz, Principle of Apples and Honey Nursery, the first social enterprise to join forces with a residential home.
Growing Older: Why Wales Can Become the Best Place in the World to Grow Older
We talked to Heléna Herklots about her aims for her tenure and why she feels Wales can become the “best place in the world to grow older”.
Parkinson’s disease: The Developments and Challenges of New Brain Therapies
We talk to Dr. Emma Lane’s about the potential and efficacy of delivering medicine for those living with Parkinson’s.