Enjoying later life

Use these pages to help you get the most from life, find out about pensions and benefits and how we're working to make life even better.

Education

There are plenty of courses to choose from - please have a look at Adult and Community Learning and see if there's a course for you. Salford also has an active U3A (University of the 3rd age) group for those who are, or are almost, retired.

Fitness

Research shows that older people who exercise reduce the risk of heart problems. Some exercises (such as walking) reduce the risk of osteoporosis (brittle bones) and can reduce the risk of falling.

Aspire gives you access to Fit City sports centres and swimming pools across the city. For information on more gentle forms of exercise, please contact the Active Lifestyle team. There are plenty of other opportunities to increase your fitness levels in the city - please use our service directory.

Getting about

The national travel pass gives older people free off-peak bus travel across the whole country. It also gives free off-peak travel on the trams and trains in Greater Manchester. If you struggle with public transport, there are other options to help you get about.

If you're 50+, you can get great deals on holidays, and not just by traveling out of season!

The Salfordian Hotel in Southport welcomes less mobile residents and other guests. Special rates are available for group bookings. Phone 0161 925 1233.

Tourism for all offers advice and more for disabled and older holiday makers.

You can also get great insurance rates on your holidays and travel - Age UK is just one organisation to look at.

Growing older in Salford

We are working with older people in the city to implement a wellbeing strategy. It sets out what older people have told us are the building blocks to improving their lives.

Housing

If you're thinking of moving home, we may be able to help with our Housing Choice scheme.

If you want to stay living where you are, but need a bit of help with maintenance, please contact Helping Hands.

There is plenty of other support too - from home improvement, through equipment to sheltered housing.

Interests and hobbies

If you've got a little spare time, you might want to take up a new hobby - there's all sorts to choose from. You can visit the Service Directory - our online directory of over 1,000 activities across the city.

Money

Are you making the most of your money, or claiming all that you are entitled to? Have you forgotten about a pension scheme that you paid into? If you're trying to work out what you're entitled to, you can contact the Welfare Rights and Debt Advice service. You may also want to consider Independent Financial Advice.

Staying safe

There are some simple steps that you can take to help stay safe at home and when you're out and about. Electronic copies of the Be Smart, Be Safe booklet are available at the bottom of this page.

Work and volunteering

The Salford Volunteer Centre has 300 organisations on its books, looking for people just like you. If you need to brush up or learn new skills, or update your CV, you'll find plenty of help on Directgov.

This page was last updated on 14 June 2011