Senior Life November 2017

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NOVEMBER 2017 SENIORLIFENEWS.CO.UK READ An insight into living with arthritis. P04

READ Stay independent with small changes to your home. P12

READ Whythe elderly struggle to talk about mental health. P14

Senior Life

Finding Your Feet “Embracing creative hobbies in life after 50 P6

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IN THIS ISSUE

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Carers UK Emily Holzhausen Five key ways to avoid carer burnout at Christmas P12

Royal Voluntary Service Margaret tells us how trying something new has improved her physical health P6

Gransnet editor Lara Crisp, on common misconceptions about older people and the reality of what life is like over 50 P14

Creative pastimes can combat loneliness Older people are the least likely to discuss their mental health, yet their mental wellbeing is jeopardised in times of loneliness in older age.

A

s we enter the colder and darker winter months, it can be harder than ever to look after our health and wellbeing. It is more difficult to get out and about and the weather can seriously affect our mood. However, we know that keeping active and engaged in something – whatever that may be – helps to give us a sense of purpose, which, in turn improves both our physical and mental health.

There has always been a stigma around mental illness but in recent years it has dramatically reduced Follow us

and we are having more open and honest conversations with each other about how we are really feeling. This is a huge improvement but it is unfortunately one that may well be leaving many older people behind. Research suggests that our traditional reticence about mental ill health stops some older people from seeking help and that many with problems don’t know where to turn for help. This is why we want to raise awareness of mental health issues and the triggers for it in later life. We know that there are very high success rates when older people get help via talking therapy so we want to encourage people to ask facebook.com/MediaplanetUK

for help and to approach their GP as a ďŹ rst step.

Loneliness can impact mental health

Caroline Abrahams Director, Age UK

@MediaplanetUK

We also know that around 1.3 million older people are chronically lonely, with big impacts on their mental health. There is, sadly, no easy or magic solution for loneliness but we all have the capacity to make a difference to the older people in our lives – the friends, relatives and neighbours who we don’t see or speak to enough.

A simple phone call or visit, particularly during the festive season when feelings of loneliness can feel especially raw, can really lift the spirits @MediaplanetUK

of someone who is going through a difficult time.

Our vision is for people to love later life, to be able to live comfortably and to enjoy life to the full. This year, our Wellbeing in Later Life Index revealed that taking part in creative activities had the most direct inuence in improving an older person’s wellbeing. This could mean dancing, playing a musical instrument, visiting museums, photography, singing, painting, writing and many more – above all it’s the taking part that matters. This is why we talk to dance instructor Alan Beattie, who is in his 70s, about the joy of dancing for him and the others he teaches.

Please recycle

Project Manager: Kirsty Elliott E-mail: kirsty.elliott@mediaplanet.com Content and Production Manager: Kate Jarvis Business Development Manager: Jake Crute Managing Director: Alex Williams Content and Social Editor: Jenny Hyndman Designer: Juraj Prikopa Junior Designer: Mushada Raquib Mediaplanet contact information: Phone: +44 (0) 203 642 0737 E-mail: info.uk@mediaplanet.com

The Mona Lisa Touch Treatment can address problems that are often QHJOHFWHG ZKLFK KDYH D VLJQLĆFDQW LPSDFW RQ WKH TXDOLW\ RI OLIH If you are having symptoms commonly related to vaginal atrophy, such as poor vaginal lubrication, vulvar itching, dryness, mild urinary incontinence, heaviness and painful intercourse – there could be another way of relief from this daily discomfort, using our non-surgical, laser technology.

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Celebrate Art and Creativity with a Gift in Your Will The V&A’s extraordinarily diverse collections span over 5000 years of human creativity and continue to inspire and drive the next wave of artists, designers and manufacturers.

A gift in your Will to the V&A can protect and conserve our cultural heritage.

For more information contact: +44(0)207 942 2898 legacy@vam.ac.uk www.vam.ac.uk/legacies Moulded plywood chair designed by Grete Jalk, 1963. Photograph © Victoria and Albert Museum London

Hearing loss, cognition, and dementia - insights from an audiologist SPONSORED

Dr Huw Cooper is an audiological scientist and Cochlear Implant Manager for Cochlear Ltd. We spoke to Huw about the effects of age-related hearing loss and the benefits of implantable hearing technology.

What are the consequences of hearing loss in older adults? Why is it important to acknowledge?

Many consider hearing loss an unfortunate, but inconsequential part of the ageing process and may not be aware of the negative and serious consequences, which can severely impact a person’s social life and mental health.

The latest research shows a link between hearing loss in older adults and cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia. This is for a couple of reasons; firstly, the effort required for the brain to decipher sound, particularly in noisy situations, is great and can impact cognition. Secondly, hearing loss can lead to varying degrees of social isolation, as people may avoid social interaction and difficult listening situations – which may in turn increase the risk of dementia – the links here are clear, although the exact mechanisms not yet fully understood.

Can you explain to readers how Cochlear implants work to allow people to experience sound?

Unlike hearing aids, which simply amplify sounds to compensate for reduced hearing sensitivity, Cochlear implants bypass damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve to the brain. Sometimes hearing aids are just not enough, and Cochlear

implants can provide hope to people with severe to profound hearing loss for whom hearing aids are no longer helpful.

Dr Huw Cooper Audiological Scientist and Cochlear Implant Manager, Cochlear Ltd

“Research shows a link between hearing loss in older adults and cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia”

A sound processor worn behind your ear captures sound and turns it into a digital signal. This is transmitted through a coil on the outside of your head to the implant itself, which is surgically implanted. The implant converts the signal into electrical impulses, delivered via an array of electrodes in the cochlea (inner ear), which stimulate the auditory nerve; your brain then has to learn how to interpret this new form of hearing.

Is there an age when you should generally start going for hearing tests?

There’s no minimum age to start taking care of your hearing health; incorporating hearing tests into your health routine, similar to having your eyesight checked is a good idea. The sooner you identify hearing loss and take action the better.

Free hearing tests are available on the NHS – ask your doctor for a referral to your local provider.

How would you persuade someone to have a hearing test if they feel it’s not necessary?

If you know someone who is reluctant, I would advise that they go for an assessment with a loved one – your family and those close to you can also be badly affected by your hearing problem.

Do many patients say they wish they had help with their hearing earlier?

From my experience, yes – once people realise what’s possible they wish they had known about implantable hearing solutions earlier.

For information about hearing loss and Cochlear implants visit: cochlear.com

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PATIENT INSIGHT

Living with pain is a lonely place to be

By Tony Greenway Victor Yip Student

“I was on crutches and in considerable pain.”

What impact can arthritis have on a person? Victor Yip, now 20, talks about his experiences with arthritis — and how anti-TNF therapy changed his life for the better.

When were you diagnosed with arthritis?

It was 2007, when I was 10. I had joint pain that had been misdiagnosed a couple of times which started in my right hip and, in the following years, traversed my body. I often experienced arthritis as a dull, consistent pain that became sharp and sudden when I began to move an affected joint.

What was your treatment?

Initially I was given medication, which kept the arthritis under control but had some unpleasant side-effects on my stomach.

So I ended up taking another drug to control that.

You’ve been having anti-TNF therapy since 2013.

How did you first hear about it?

I was in year 11 at school and in hospital after a severe flare-up of my disease. I was put on a low dose of methotrexate plus some steroidal drugs; but they didn’t seem to do the trick. So a new treatment — anti-TNF— was suggested. At that point, I thought of it as just another kind of therapy.

How has anti-TNF helped?

It’s worked a charm. I could walk again, didn’t need crutches and there was no pain. The swellings went down and it just seemed to work perfectly. I could feel the anti-TNF working in a matter of days. In two or three weeks I had normal body function again.

Without anti-TNF, what would your life be like now?

Life would certainly be more difficult. Now, I have no pain, no swelling and no stiffness. You wouldn’t be able to tell from looking at me that arthritis had ever knocked on my door.

What support have you had from Arthritis Research UK over the years?

One of the most useful things Arthritis Research UK does is provide information. If you’re in real pain, hearing other people’s stories can often help more than medicine because you realise they’ve gone through the same thing as you and come out the other side.

Every year at least 70% of our voluntary income comes from gifts left in Wills. Would you recommend that older people consider a gift in this way?

I had no idea about that. As an adolescent wanting information about the condition I’ve never really thought about that side of arthritis research. But it sounds like a very good thing to do because research in this area is so important.

Read more on seniorlifenews.co.uk

There are many different types of arthritis, but their common denominator is pain.

We talked to a GP about the condition, its impact and what you can do to manage your pain.

The statistics might shock some people, admits Dr. Tom Margham, spokesperson for Arthritis Research UK, but the fact is that arthritis affects over 10 million people across the country, regardless of gender, race or class. In the UK alone, one third of everyone aged 45 and over has sought treatment for osteoarthritis; while over 400,000 people of all ages have rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis has a huge impact on the everyday lives of everyone who has arthritis and on the lives of their families and friends too.

It’s a condition that doesn’t discriminate when it comes to age, either. “There’s a myth that arthritis is ‘an old person’s disease’,” says Margham. “As a GP, that’s absolutely not my experience. Arthritis can affect people of all ages. In fact, 12,000 children in this country have juvenile idiopathic arthritis and one-third of them will go on to have active disease in adulthood. That’s a huge number.

So regardless of your age, arthritis has a huge impact on people’s lives.”

Arthritis conditions Margham points out that arthritis is not one disease but a catch-all term that means ‘inflammation of the joints’ — and there is currently no cure for it. Arthritis-related conditions are the number one cause of disability in the UK and the Arthritis Research UK website provides a great deal of information about different treatments.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type. “This generally affects the larger weight-bearing joints: feet, ankles and predominantly knees and hips,” he says. “It can also affect the lower back, neck and hands. It’s a condition where the body’s normal repair process is out of balance with the impact joints are experiencing, resulting in symptoms of pain and joint stiffness.” Many factors can increase your risk of osteoarthritis, such as age, being overweight or joint injuries.

Rheumatoid arthritis is the UK’s second most common form: an

Dr Tom Margham Spokesperson, Arthritis Research UK

autoimmune disease where the immune system starts attacking the body’s own tissues, causing inflammation, pain and swelling in the smaller joints, typically in the hands and wrists. “It’s important for someone diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis to start disease modifying treatment as early as possible,” says Margham. “Research

by Arthritis Research UK found that there is a 12-week window in which to treat the condition after the onset of symptoms. The earlier this is done, the better the chance of getting rheumatoid arthritis under control and preventing longer-term joint damage.”

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is joint inflammation that usually starts before the age of 16. The cause remains unknown, although different types display different symptoms and it’s slightly more common in girls. “It has a connection with rheumatoid arthritis in that it’s an autoimmune condition with similar symptoms, although it can affect any joint in the body,” says Margham.

“A child who has a limp that isn’t a result of an injury needs urgent assessment because, by and large, children shouldn’t suffer with joint pain for long periods.”

How arthritis impacts individuals The common denominator with all three types of arthritis is pain. Nearly six out of 10 people living with arthritis say they experience pain every day, while eight out of 10 agree that society does not understand their condition because it ‘doesn’t look’ like they have anything seriously wrong with them.

“One of the cruel things about arthritis is that it’s invisible to other people,” says Margham. “Pain is a sensory experience that is unique to each individual. No-one can see it, and it can’t be measured in any objective way. In that sense it’s easily ignored. But living with pain is a lonely place to be.”

This makes day-to-day activities — such as carrying things, or getting dressed — extremely difficult.

“This, in turn, impacts on a person’s ability to participate at work, study, socialise, or fulfil their role as a parent or grandparent,” says Margham. “It can be socially isolating and have a bearing on mood and sleep. Plus we know there is a connection between chronic pain and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.”

The needs of people with arthritis As a GP, Margham sees someone with arthritis every day. “A lady came to see me recently who had terrible pain in her knees which was hugely problematic when it came to her work life; but it was also causing difficulties as a new grandparent because she couldn’t look after her daughter’s baby. I made a clinical diagnosis of osteoarthritis — it’s important to call it a name rather than fobbing someone off by saying ‘you have a touch of arthritis’ — and was able to point her in the direction of top quality information via the Arthritis Research UK website and helpline so that she could really understand what was happening to her. Through connecting with the helpline she had information about the diagnosis, but also specific practical tips and advice about how to live with arthritis.”

Insight from Arthritis Research UK shows that millions of people with arthritis want information and advice so they can manage their condition.

“Research shows that their number one need is pain reduction,” says Margham. “Pain creates a lot of fear and reducing it improves quality of life.

It’s treatable in different ways; but the best way is to help someone understand what is going on is by giving them access to information that is personal to them — and connecting them with other people who share the same experience to help them manage their condition”

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Transforming the lives of people with arthritis

By Tony Greenway SPONSORED

Through the power of research and new support initiatives, Arthritis Research UK aims to transform the lives of people living with the debilitating effects of arthritis.

Every day, millions of people across the UK have their lives severely limited by the fatigue, pain and isolation of arthritis. This is a complex condition — there are over 200 forms of arthritis although, as yet, no cure — and its consequences can be devastating.

“Arthritis is largely unrecognised, underestimated and ignored,” says Liam O’Toole, CEO of the charity Arthritis Research UK. “We want to reveal the real impact of arthritis both on those with it and on the nation as a whole.”

Arthritis Research UK works to transform the lives of people living with arthritis via breakthrough research. “We have a responsibility to make a difference and the resources to deliver results,” says O’Toole. “We’re working with politicians, doctors, employers and charities to develop better solutions together. By bringing the right people together we can address the issues we face and deliver better support people with arthritis.”

Harnessing science What really defines the work of Arthritis Research UK, though, is that it can — and does — harness the power of exceptional science; and, over the years, it has been responsible for numerous breakthroughs in arthritis research.

“Take our work on Anti-TNF therapy, a drug treatment that reduces the inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis,” says O’Toole. “Once, the only care available was pain management, so Anti-TNF has been a game-changer. In fact, people with the condition have said to me: ‘It’s given me my life back.’

“The charity’s research has also produced a tool which GPs use when treating people with lower back pain. This is a way of targeting treatment to ensure that the right treatment is given to the right person at the right time,” says O’Toole.

“It’s been hugely effective.”

Arthritis Research UK also has a close and growing relationship with people with arthritis, says O’Toole.

“It’s these people who set our agenda.

By speaking to thousands of people with the condition, we have been able to identify their key issues. One of these is pain — so we have now developed a laser-like focus on pain research and created a coalition of talent to investigate it further. Experts from the health service, industry, science and — most importantly — people with arthritis are working so that we know the questions that need answering.”

Expert guidance and advice Aside from research, the charity is also committed to providing the best information and advice.

“People with arthritis have told us they want support,” says O’Toole.

“They want to understand their treatment options so they can be empowered to help themselves.

Our website is crucial in this regard and is constantly being improved.

And the hunger for arthritis information is enormous. Last year we received over twice as many visits as the year before.”

Yet the charity knows that people sometimes want to talk directly to experts; so, in April, it launched a dedicated helpline providing

condition in order to improve the service.

Funding an ambitious agenda

Liam O’Toole CEO, Arthritis Research UK

individual advice, support and guidance. Incredibly it fielded almost 2,000 enquiries in just two months.

“People with arthritis are eager for a conversation,” says O’Toole. “The helpline has received a broad range of questions and requests for advice, including a topical focus on treatment and medication.”

O’Toole says that Arthritis Research UK is taking “a 21st-century approach” to support and guidance. “We recently launched a virtual assistant – a chat service on our website which provides answers to questions about osteoarthritis, exercise and pain management. You can use it at any time of the day or night, seven days a week. It has learnt the hundreds of pages of expert information from our website, so you don’t have to search for your answer; you can just ask the assistant and it will give you an answer based on our expert content.

“This is one of the most exciting applications of cutting-edge technology ever used in the UK to help people struggling with arthritis,” says O’Toole. “Many people are unable to sleep because of the pain; so if they need help and advice at 2am, they’ll be able to get it via the virtual assistant.” It is in test mode at the moment, so the charity wants people to ask it questions about their

Of course, advances such as these aren’t cheap to develop; and like all charities, Arthritis Research UK relies on the generosity of the public for its funding. Every year the charity raises at least 70 per cent of its voluntary income from Gifts in Wills. “We have a massively ambitious agenda and need more resources,” says O’Toole.

“We’re incredibly dependent on Gifts in Wills, which is a wonderful way for someone to ensure that our work can continue beyond their lifetime.”

All of this makes a big difference

to real people. “Like the lady in her late forties who is socially isolated because of her condition and moves so slowly that she is worried about her safety,” says O’Toole. “Then there’s the person who is in so much pain that she can’t even hold her partner’s hand.”

“We want to give as much advice and support to these people as we possibly can. We want to lessen the impact that arthritis has people with the condition lives. Above all, we want to empower and enable people to live better lives with their arthritis.”

Read more on arthritisresearchuk.org

Leaving a charitable gift in your Will funds important research into arthritis The medical breakthroughs made by Arthritis Research UK would not have been possible without gifts left in Wills, says Charlotte Guiver, the charity’s Director of Fundraising.

Many charities rely on donations left in Wills — and Arthritis Research UK is no exception. In fact, gifts in Wills are our single, biggest source of funding, amounting to over 70 per cent of the voluntary income we receive each year.

Their importance shouldn’t be underestimated because they have helped our charity fund exceptional science and make significant arthritis medical breakthroughs, such as Anti-TNF. People who choose to pledge a gift in their will to Arthritis Research UK know they are leaving a gift for the future. It is a gift that will live on after their lifetime and may help us discover new

treatments, support people in managing their condition and ultimately lead to a cure to arthritis.

Leaving a gift in your will isn’t complicated to do. A solicitor or a will writer will ensure your wishes are expressed in a suitable legal fashion. And we will receive every penny you leave to us, because gifts left to charities in Wills are usually tax-free.

We genuinely appreciate every single gift, regardless of its size.

Each is vital to our future and vital to the millions of people living with arthritis in the UK. There are still so many things we want to achieve. Your gifts will help us achieve them.

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MARGARET’S STORY

PHOTO: ISTOCK

Why Margaret doesn’t believe in sitting still Margaret Rose, 83, enjoys trying new activities.

Taking part in everything from armchair exercise classes to tai chi keeps her young and offers her the chance to meet new people, she says.

Before she retired, 83-year-old Margaret Rose worked with elderly people. “And now I am one,” she laughs.

Margaret currently lives in sheltered accommodation in Perth and admits that, at her age, life can get very lonely.

However, she now takes part in various activities organised by her local Royal Voluntary Service as part of their First Time for Everything programme, which, she says, has been a boon for her physical health and social life. The activities include an armchair exercise class, usually run every two weeks at a local church hall.

Health and wellbeing benefits Margaret usually uses a walker as a mobility aid but, since joining the class more than a year ago, has noticed a big improvement in her health — so much so that she is now occasionally able to swap the walker for a stick. She says: “When you’re sitting down for so long, your muscles get tense, which means that when you try to stand up your knees say: ‘Don’t do that!’ So I find the class helps loosen my muscles and the day afterwards I think: ‘Right. I’m ready for anything!’ ” Other Royal Voluntary Service activities Margaret has enjoyed include a painting trip to Stirling, a visit to Scottish country clothing manufacturer, The House of Bruar, tai chi classes, bell-ringing, and a weekly lunch club. She also plays a mean game of dominoes. “I turned my nose up at the idea when dominoes was first suggested as an activity,” she says. “But I’m really enjoying it now — and it gets quite competitive.”

A way to make friends She’s also suggested line-dancing as a future Royal Voluntary Service activity. “I did ballroom dancing years ago, but I would find that very difficult now,” says Margaret. “But I’ve had a go at line-dancing in the past and remember doing a lot of laughing.

If you can laugh, that’s so important.”

Being with other people is the secret ingredient of a happy old age, she believes. “As you get older, it takes a bit longer to get to know people,” says Margaret. “But by doing these activities I’ve made quite a few new friends. The classes I do are getting bigger each week and the volunteers are super and don’t try to push you into anything you don’t want to do. I would miss the activities if I didn’t do them.”

You only need a willingness to try something new, she insists. “I’m from Glasgow,” says Margaret. “So I’ll have a bash at anything if I think I can do it. I would recommend getting involved to anyone. And if you don’t like a particular activity, try something else, because there are plenty of things you can do instead. If you’re willing to involve yourself, you’ll get something out of it.”

Read more on royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

Why Alan is still putting on his tap shoes at 82

PHOTO: THINKSTOCK

By Tony Greenway

two people in the class I teach now have arthritis. We always get medical advice to make sure we’re working at the right pace and I’m a qualified sports coach, so we give them exercises to suit their complaint.

Alan Beattie, 82, has been dancing all his life. Now he teaches a tap dance class for Age UK to middle-aged and senior people — and, he says, its health and wellbeing benefits speak for themselves.

Is dance good for mental health?

When did you first learn to tap dance?

I was about 12. I went to a dance school for around seven years and managed to keep it going all the way through my working career — I was a physical training instructor in the Royal Air Force — and I’ve been doing it ever since. After the RAF, I worked at a further education college and I did some performing arts there, too. I just love dancing. I got to the quarter finals of Britain’s Got Talent; and on New Year’s Day I came first on Diversity Presents Steal The Show on ITV and won a trip to the US.

What is it about dance that you like?

I’ve always thought of it as therapy.

That’s because when you dance, you can’t afford to think about anything else. And you get great personal satisfaction along with all the health and wellbeing benefits.

How did you get involved as an volunteer?

My wife worked a few hours at charity. I was already teaching dance classes, so they suggested I start a

Alan Beattie Tap Dancing Instructor and Volunteer

class for them in the area. It’s a twohour class every week, averaging around 10 to 15 people. The youngest is around 40, the eldest is 83. Some people are absolute beginners and it takes me about six months to get them anywhere near fitness. Then again, one or two have been dancing in the West End and on cruise ships, and they’re very capable.

Can dance help with arthritis?

It can, absolutely. In fact, I went to Australia about three years ago to teach remedial tap to people with arthritis and osteoporosis. One or

It’s as much a mental challenge as a physical one for me because I do my own choreography. I have to try to come up with different routines every time to keep the lessons fresh. For the pupils, it’s challenging, physically advantageous and mentally refreshing. It’s also a very sociable thing to do. If it’s someone’s birthday we’ll go out for a coffee after the class. Actually, the social side of it is as important as the dance itself.

Our Wellbeing in Later Life Index found that being open and positive, and willing to try out new things, are incredibly important in sustaining our wellbeing as we get older. It found that taking part in ‘creative activities’, one of which was dancing, had the biggest influence in improving a person’s wellbeing in later life.

You can catch Finding Your Feet in cinemas on the 23rd February 2018.

Use your Will to change the everyday lives of people with arthritis

Mrs Middleton

Across the UK, 10 million people are living with the burning pain of arthritis. Arthritis-related conditions are the number one cause of disability in the UK. And they destroy everyday lives.

For Mrs Myrtle Middleton, it’s meant caring for her mother, who had arthritis, before developing the condition herself. For Pam, it’s meant six decades of continually fighting arthritis to live a fulfilled life.

Thanks to Gifts in Wills, we’ve pioneered exciting research breakthroughs that are transforming lives. For Lily, who’s just turned nine, it means she’s in remission and enjoying swimming and gymnastics. For Victor, who would collapse after a day at school, life is now pain-free and he’s thriving at university.

Pam

Writing a Will gives you the power to transform everyday lives by supporting exceptional research.

When you have taken care of your loved ones, will you consider including Arthritis Research UK in your Will for the future?

Lily

Call us on 0300 790 0404 or go online to request your free Gifts in Wills guide today.

arthritisresearchuk.org/everydaydtsl Alternatively, write to us at Room DTSL, Arthritis Research UK, Supporter Care, Copeman House, St Mary’s Court, St Mary’s Gate, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S41 7TD. GIWPA101703

/Arthritisresearchuk @ArthritisRUK

Registered Charity No. 207711, SC041156

Victor

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Many charities rely on gifts in Wills “in order to survive”

new lifeboats launched by RNLI are made possible by gifts in Wills

By Tony Greenway A Will gives invaluable peace of mind — so more of us need to write one, and include a charitable donation in it as a thank you so that good causes can continue their vital work.

74%

of the UK population support a charity during their lifetime, however...

Only 6.3% of the UK population went on to leave a charitable gift in their Will when they passed away

16% of the UK population claimed they have included a charitable gift in their Will. This is the highest level to date.

When viewed one way, the statistics are encouraging. Increasing numbers of us are leaving a gift to a charity — or charities — in our Wills.

According to figures from Legacy Monitor Consortium published in May, this type of charitable gifting grew by 6.3 per cent in the 12 months to March 2017. And in April, a major milestone was announced: charitable donations in Wills had significantly increased, growing by 39 per cent over five years to reach £2.5 billion.

This is good news for charities,

“Charities in England and Wales alone spend £1,578 per second” many of whom rely on gifts left in Wills in order to carry on their vital work — or to survive. Figures estimate that charities in England and Wales alone spend £136.4 million – that’s £1,578 per second – improving lives and helping communities .

Why you should make a Will

£2.5 bn a year is raised as gifts to charities in Wills. That’s almost as much as 25 Red Nose Days

1/3 of Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work is funded by gifts in Wills Many charities were founded by a legacy and many could not continue to exist without this vital source of income

Unfortunately, there is a ‘but’. To leave a gift to a charity in your Will, you have to have made one in the first place. But not all of us do. In fact it’s estimated that four out of 10 of us die without making a Will, a figure that Rob Cope finds incredible.

“A Will is one of the most important documents we will ever write,” says Cope, director of Remember A Charity, a coalition of charities set up in 2000 to encourage legacy giving.

“Without it, we die intestate, which means that the law gets to determine how our assets and possessions are distributed. Our loved ones then have to go through a difficult, messy and

Rob Cope Director, Remember A Charity

protracted legal process in order to sort out our affairs after our death.”

The trouble is that death is a delicate subject and, for some of us, talking about it is taboo. But, says Cope, it’s time we weren’t so British about it.

That means: don’t be shy or coy about talking to your nearest and dearest about what you want to happen after your death. “We all need to have a proper conversation with our family to make our wishes clear to them,” says Cope. “Often, people are very closed about this subject. Yet we need to talk about it because more Wills are being contested than ever before.”

“Around 4/10 of us die without making a Will” You can make a Will online Once you have had the conversation with your loved ones, it’s important to follow through and actually make a Will. This has become easier to do recently, notes Cope. “People can make a Will over the phone, online or face-to-face,” he says. “But — and this is vital — a Will must be written in a robust, professional manner, which we feel is always done best by a solicitor or professional Will writer. This is an area where you

shouldn’t leave anything to chance.”

It’s also easy to do and inexpensive, and the peace of mind it gives is invaluable.

When it comes to leaving a charitable gift in your Will, a common misconception is that you have to be rich to do so. Yet nothing could be further from the truth, says Cope: any amount — big or small — will be gratefully received and help ensure that charities can continue their work after you have gone.

“Think of all the things you benefit

“Using a solicitor or professional Will writer can give you peace of mind” from in your lifetime that they provide and then imagine if their work stopped because of lack of funding,” says Cope. This includes everything from medical research and protection of buildings, places and areas of outstanding natural beauty to lifeboat launches. “All of these things and more are funded by gifts in Wills,” says Cope.

How to choose your charities Another myth is that you can only leave a gift to one good cause in your Will when you can give donations to any number of organisations, be they large and international or small and local. The charity sector is a crowded field, so deciding who to leave a gift to may seem daunting, but Cope has some good advice.

“Think of your Will as a cake,” he says. “Give nearly all of the cake to your family and friends, but a small slice left over can be given to a charity or charities. The best way to choose is to think of a good cause that has benefited you or your family in some way. Leaving a gift to them is a good way to say ‘thank you’ for what they have done for you in your lifetime.”

Be there for animals.

Today, tomorrow, always.

What if you could keep your love for animals alive even when you’re no longer here? A gift in your Will to the RSPCA means you can do just that.

Keep us where

we’re needed

With your help, we can continue to rescue, rehabilitate and ďŹ nd loving homes for animals in need.

For your free guide, please call: 0300 123 0239 or visit: rspca.org.uk/giftsinwills

We’re dedicated to changing lives for good. For over 150 years, we’ve been supporting people suffering through poverty, homelessness, addiction, loneliness and exploitation. But, as a charity, The Salvation Army needs your support.

Would you be one of the generous people who leaves us a gift in their Will so that we can continue to make a real, tangible difference to people in need?

After you’ve remembered your loved ones, a gift in your Will, no matter how small or large, means together we can continue to change people’s lives for good.

7R ÀQG RXW PRUH DERXW OHDYLQJ D JLIW LQ \RXU :LOO WR 7KH 6DOYDWLRQ $UP\ SOHDVH FDOO our team on: 020 7367 4800 email legacy.enquiry@salvationarmy.org.uk or visit our website: www.salvationarmy.org.uk/giftsinwills

Registered Charity No. 214779 and in Scotland SC009359; Republic of Ireland Registered Charity No. CHY 6399

Part of REMEMBER A CHARITY

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INSPIRATION

COLUMN

Jargon Buster Beneficiary: A person or organisation to whom you leave a gift.

Codicil: A document that amends your will.

Conditional legacy: A legacy that is conditional upon a particular event happening (for instance, “to my son if he should become a doctor”).

Demonstrative legacy: Pecuniary legacy payable out of a specific fund.

What you need to know about remembering a charity in your Will

Grant of probate: A document issued by the court confirming both the validity of a Will and the executor’s right to administer the estate.

By Tony Greenway

%

Inheritance tax (IHT): Amount paid when you die on the proportion of your estate over the tax threshold (which varies every tax year). Gifts to charity are free of IHT. Visit hmrc.gov.uk/cto/iht.htm to find the current inheritance tax rates Intestate: Person who dies with no Will. Certain relatives can apply for your estate. If you have none, your money will go to the Crown.

Letters of administration: Issued instead of a grant of probate by a court to an administrator.

Life interest: Granting a right, often under a trust, to someone, which lasts only for the lifetime of the person who benefits by it.

Mirror Will: One containing almost identical terms to yours. Usually used by spouses or partners where the beneficiaries are largely the same.

Noncupative Will: A Will made orally before witnesses.

Probate: Official proof of a Will’s validity. If the value of the estate is more than £5,000, probate may have to be applied for by the executors, who can then administer the Will and distribute the estate according to your wishes.

Residue: Remainder of your estate after other gifts are made and debts are cleared.

£

Residuary bequest: A gift made from the residue. It can be a share (percentage) of the remainder, or all of the remainder.

Trust: A written arrangement whereby an appointed trustee is given money or assets to hold and manage for the benefit of those defined in the deed or will that created the trust.

Trustee: Individuals or an organisation named in a trust deed to take responsibility for the trust assets and manage them.

Commission lists information in its annual report; and you should be able to find financial reports on the charity’s own website. The overwhelming majority of charities do an incredible job and are constantly under pressure from their trustees to make sure that every penny counts.”

If you want to leave a gift to a charity in your Will, don’t be afraid to contact them directly to find out more about their aims, and how your donation might help them.

While more and more people are choosing to leave a gift to a charity in their Will, most people still don’t consider supporting their favorite causes in this way. According to figures from charity coalition, Remember A Charity, 35 per cent of us say that we’d like to include a donation to a good cause after our death. But statistics from Smee and Ford, UK provider of legacy information, show that only six per cent of us actually do.

It shouldn’t be this way, says Rob Cope, Director of Remember A Charity. He believes that this type of giving should become ‘the new normal’ because many charitable organisations rely so completely on gifts left in Wills. It’s also a good way to show our gratitude for their good work, from which we may have personally benefitted over the years.

“We’re lucky to have experienced a golden age during which we’ve been able to access some fantastic services that have made a big difference to society,” says Cope. “I think many of us take them for granted.

But we would be far more charitably-minded if we really understood that those services might not exist if it wasn’t for the generosity of others.”

Rob Cope Director, Remember A Charity

How do I choose which charity to give to?

Perhaps part of the problem is that the charity sector is such a crowded field, so choosing who to leave a gift to can be confusing. Cope’s advice is to think of an organisation that has helped you or your family in some way. But do your homework, too.

Research the charity — or charities — you are considering supporting to find out more about their aims, their achievements and how they operate.

You can also contact them to explain that you are thinking about leaving a donation in your Will, and are seeking information about the difference your gift could make to them.

For your own peace of mind, you should also ask the charity how they spend their money and what your donation might be used to fund.

“Charities are more transparent these days,” says Cope. “The Charity

How much should I leave to a charity?

You also need to work out how much of a donation to leave in your Will.

“Make sure you take a big slice for your loved ones, friends and those people who have been important to you in your life,” says Cope. “You can then donate that last slice of cake — whatever size it is — to your favourite charities, knowing that your gift can help make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Whatever the size of gift you leave, be assured that your donation can make a valuable contribution to an organisation’s future. Ultimately, however, this isn’t really about supporting the charities themselves. It’s about supporting their beneficiaries.

“Unless we want the work of charities to stop — for example, the lifeboat services, cancer research and animal welfare charities — we need to find ways to get the message across to the public that such donations are crucial to individuals who rely on them,” says Cope.

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Stressful journeys leave older people feeling worse after hospital visits For most of us, having a hospital appointment is enough to worry about, but imagine also needing to make a complex journey to get to and from hospital, possibly alone and in pain, while being constantly anxious that you’ll be late.

Sadly, this is a stark reality for many older people – the main users of the NHS. Age UK’s latest research revealed that almost a fifth (18%) of over-65s who have attended a hospital appointment in the past year[i] – over one million people[ii] – reported feeling worse afterwards because of the stress of getting to and from

the hospital. For some this was because they had to wait hours for hospital transport, while others had been deemed ineligible for this help and had been forced to use expensive cabs or inadequate public transport.

As we grow older, our chances of having multiple health conditions requiring regular hospital appointments increase. If older people cannot physically get to the hospital services they need or have to endure long, painful and stressful journeys in order to access them, this means extra cost for the NHS. We already know it’s stretched to the absolute limit. More importantly, missed appointments and possible relapses, increase the

Caroline Abrahams Director, Age UK

need for emergency NHS treatment and cause a great deal of distress for older people.

Through Age UK’s nationwide Painful Journeys campaign we aim to highlight the difficulties facing millions of older people when travelling to hospital appointments.

Age UK is calling on people to write to their MP. Age UK believes an urgent Government review of transport services is needed to ensure that every hospital journey for an older person is comfortable, affordable, and gets them to their appointment in good time. This would make a big difference to older people, their families . and to the NHS

[i] All percentages taken from TNS/ Age UK research, September 2017. Base sample: 1342 adults aged 65+ in GB. Of those, 678 adults aged 65+ attended hospital appointment in last 12 months either for themselves or parent/ partner (51% of total sample). [ii] Estimated number – 1,057,200. Age UK calculation based on TNS research (Sept 2017) and ONS mid-year 2016 population estimates (pub. July 2017). GB population aged 65+ = 11,516,330, 51% of those attended hospital appointment in last 12 months = 5,873,300. 18% of that number = 1,057,200.

Read more on ageuk.org.uk/painfuljourneys.

SENIORLIFENEWS.CO.UK

Freedom to flourish…

Remember Hft in your Will and you can open up a different future for people like Gusha. Your gift could give them a sense of belonging r learning disability.

Will you say yes?

Find out what your life-changing gift can do.

Visit www.hft.org.uk, call Katie Tennyson on 0117 9061699 or email giftsinwills@hft.org.uk

rsons Green, Bristol BS16 7FL Company registered in England No.734984 Registered Charity No. 313069 Patron HRH The Princess Royal.

seniorlifenews.co.uk @mediaplanetUK facebook.com/mediaplanetUK

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Michael Roche Technical Advice Support Officer, Social Care, Age UK

Practical help to enable you to stay independent Here’s how to get simple – and often free - home equipment and adaptations to help you to remain independent and enjoy a better quality of life.

Health problems, bereavement, or disability can make staying in your own home difficult – but often the right equipment can help.

Michael Roche, Technical Advice Support Officer, Social Care, at Age UK, says: “There is wide range of home adaptations and special equipment that can make life easier and enable you to stay independent.”

Getting around “Being unable to get into the community affects how we feel about ourselves and our self-care, so rails, ramps, outdoor lights and wheelchair lifts that help us get in and out, can help,” says Roche.

A door-entry intercom, entry phone operated from your chair, or a key safe will make it easier to welcome visitors and reduce the worry of risk.

In-home help An extra stair rail, stair lift or wheelchair lift can help with stairs, while raising and reclining chairs and beds can help you get up and about. Bath lifts, adapted toilets and wet rooms can aid hygiene.

Simple equipment like a kettle tipper or perching stool can help in the kitchen, and work surfaces and cupboards can be height-adjusted for wheelchair users.

Extra lighting and changing décor can help with sight problems, while phones and doorbells that flash rather than ring can help people with hearing loss. Where memory is an issue, electronic locators can find items such as keys and purses, and if you get lost a personal locator can help others find you.

‘Telecare’ equipment, such as fall detectors and personal alarms, can automatically alert your family or carers, while ‘telehealth’ equipment can monitor your blood pressure or blood sugar.

How to get help Ask your council for a care assessment - free for everyone.

“Usually an occupational therapist will assess a wide range of issues, but most importantly, what you want to achieve, and recommend any equipment, adaptations, care and support you need,” says Roche.

Five ways to avoid ‘carer burnout’ during the holidays Research shows that as many as one in four carers have not had a break for five years or more, even over the Christmas period, suffering worsened physical and mental health as a result.

T

his December, many will relish the idea of a hardearned week away from work or connecting with family, enjoying that vital time to recover energy before being thrown into the new year. Yet for a majority of carers, winter brings challenges, not recuperation. A mix of familial and financial strain sees a surge in calls to our advice line each January, as those without the right support can reach ‘carer burnout’.

But a range of solutions can help.

Even simple forms of support – such as mobile apps – can help carers plan for winter effectively, while various forms of financial assistance can make living costs manageable.

5 ways to find pre-Christmas carer support: 1. Take a break

Will it cost anything?

If you are eligible, minor adaptations such as grab rails, lever taps or external lighting, are free. For adaptations costing over £1,000, such as a wet room or stair lift, you may get a Disabled Facilities Grant. Some people may have to pay but the advice is free.

“The system can be complex and confusing, so don’t wait for an emergency to get advice,” says Roche. “Finding out about your rights and choices could improve your quality of life and help you stay independent.”

Get Age UK’s fact sheet Adapting Your Home - Services and equipment to help you stay living at home, at ageuk.org.uk, or 0800 055 6112. Disabled Living Foundation: dlf.org.uk

Sometimes, caring can change our definition of the term ‘break’. Enjoying a spare hour to complete the Christmas food shopping can feel like a true luxury, often requiring the help of friends, family, or care providers.

Many carers can feel guilty about taking a break but it can be essential to recharge your batteries. You could ask family or friends to give you a break, buy care services directly, look at technology, or get a carer’s assessment to look at what help you need. Find out what different options would suit you and what you might be entitled to.

can use applications to control their own household appliances, electricity and heating, without the help of a loved one. Phone and tablet apps like Jointly can help families coordinate and divvy up care tasks remotely.

4. Keep healthy

Emily Holzhausen OBE Director of Policy and Public Affairs, Carers UK

2. Stay warm Energy costs often rise during winter, especially for carers whose loved ones’ health is dependent on staying warm. If you are 65 or older, receive a pension or certain benefits, if you use an eligible energy supplier, or share a residency with someone who does, you may be entitled to help paying your energy and heating bills.

This support could include tax-free Winter Fuel Payments, schemes such as the Warm Home Discount, or weekly, financial support in the form of Cold Winter Payments. Certain suppliers may also offer discounted tariffs to vulnerable customers, or part-subsidise measures to ‘draughtproof’ your house.

3. Make the most of technology Technology can offer real peace of mind to families. From vital signs monitoring to fall detectors, technology can also make caring simpler while helping older, ill, or disabled loved ones remain independent for longer. Those with mobility issues

While it’s hard to maintain perfect health while juggling work, family and care responsibilities, it’s vital for fending off illnesses, which could make caring harder. Carers and a majority of those being cared for are entitled to a free flu jab, so ring ahead to find out what is available locally. A number of GP practices and hospitals are also beginning to adopt ‘carer passport’ schemes to better support those looking after a loved one, so enquire about what help is available once you register as a carer.

5. Make connections, get support Carers consistently tell us that connecting with other carers would make the single biggest difference in breaking feelings of isolation and loneliness. Using an online forum can help carers feel supported 24/7, while local groups and carers’ centres can help you learn skills, enjoy hobbies and socialise with others with the same responsibilities over winter. Community organisations may also be able to offer grants or signpost you to day-to-day support after the holiday season ends. You can find your nearest local support groups and charities on the Carers UK online directory.

Read more on seniorlifenews.co.uk

Photo Credit: Louis Leeson/Save the Children

WRITE A CHILD’S SMILE INTO YOUR WILL

For almost a century, Save the Children has been doing whatever it takes for children living in poverty and danger, so smiles light up their faces again.

Children like Joshua from Sierra Leone, whose life was devastated by Ebola: “My younger brother died. Then I developed symptoms. I was in hospital when I received information that 13 of my family members had passed away. I was unable to be strong at that moment,” he remembers.

When Joshua came home, he was partially blind and unable to walk or eat. But he was not alone. Thanks to the generosity of people just like you, Save the Children was there for him.

We helped Joshua with the basics he needed to survive – food; utensils; a mattress. And we gave him someone to turn to – Child Protection Officer Konday Marah.

“Mr Marah has done lots of things for me” Joshua says, “We count on him like a family

member.” Just one year on, Joshua’s life and prospects have completely transformed.

He’s playing football with his friends again and he’s thriving at school.

To find out more or to request your free information pack contact our friendly team today Call us on 020 7012 6400

By remembering Save the Children in your Will you’ll be ensuring that the values you hold dear will live on. And you’ll be giving vulnerable children like Joshua a brighter future, and a reason to smile.

Email giftsinwills@savethechildren.org.uk

Or visit savethechildren.org.uk/smile

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

Please complete the form and return it in an envelope addressed to FREEPOST SAVE THE CHILDREN.You don’t need a stamp.

Title Name Address Phone _____________________________ Email We’d also like to use the information provided to keep you updated about our work and how you can support us. Please tell us how you would like to hear from us by selecting the boxes below: I do want updates by email I don’t want to be updated by post I don’t want to be updated by phone Registered charity England and Wales (213890) Scotland (SC39570)

Postcode_____________ Don’t forget you can change how you hear from us at any time by calling our Supporter Care team on 0207 012 6400 or emailing supportercare@savethechildren.org.uk We promise never to sell your data. Please read our Privacy Policy on savethechildren.org.uk/privacy for more information about how we use and protect your data.

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The generation who struggle to talk about mental health Ill health, bereavement and financial worries were cited as the most common triggers linked to anxiety and depression and, worryingly, over a third of people polled reported that they didn’t know where to go for help and support.

I

n recent years there’s been nothing short of a cultural revolution in our willingness to be open about mental ill health.

It’s helping to reduce stigma and resulting in more people seeking help which is good news. Unfortunately though, we know that many older people are still struggling in silence.

There are currently 3 million people over the age of 60 living with depression in the UK – a figure that is set to increase by a third over the next 15 years to 4.3 million because of the growing numbers of older people in our society. Many older people grew up in an era when there was a

depression or anxiety as health conditions Q Depression and anxiety used to be seen as a weakness, so it’s not something the older generation are comfortable discussing Q The older generation were taught to approach life with a “stiff upper lip” Q It was believed that talking about negative feelings makes the situation worse

real stigma associated with mental health so, for many, these attitudes are deeply engrained and are still driving their behaviour today.

It’s no wonder that a number of barriers still exist when it comes to older people talking to others about how they’re feeling and seeking professional help.

Why is there a barrier to discussing mental health?

Our research revealed a number of reasons why older people find the subject difficult to acknowledge themselves including: Q

Tom Gentry Head of Health Influencing, Age UK

When older people were growing up, society didn’t recognise

Additionally, research indicates that feelings of loneliness and isolation play a major role in mental health problems during later life.

Almost three-quarters of the people we questioned about this said

they felt that having more opportunities to connect with other people (e.g. joining local activity groups) would be the best way to help people who were struggling.

As well as having opportunities to connect with other people, more than a third felt that talking therapy such as counselling would best help older people with anxiety and depression.

Separate research has found older people respond extremely well to talking therapies; the recovery rates for patients aged over 65 years of age who completed a course of talking therapy were shown to be better than for younger people.

Four common misconceptions about older people What is ‘old’ these days? Seventy? Eighty? Ninety? According to the users on Gransnet, old is simply ten years older than you are at the present moment. Going grey doesn’t mean your needs, ambitions or sense of humour drain away.

Here are four ways that Gransnetters show us how wrong everyday misconceptions of older people are:

Myth 1:

Myth 2:

Myth 3:

Myth 4:

We are a drain on society

We don’t understand tech

We lose our dress sense

Retirement is a holiday

Baby-boomer-bashing is particularly rife at the moment, with an unfortunate focus on encouraging the generational divide. But far from not contributing to society, older people are often the ones supporting their extended families. Many are part of the sandwich generation, looking after elderly parents as well as being relied upon for regular childcare.

Nine out of ten Gransnetters provide regular childcare for their grandchildren, and in the UK it’s estimated that grandparents save the economy £17.6 billion of childcare per year. It’s time we recognised the massive social, economical and emotional contribution older people make to society.

One of the biggest misconceptions about older people is that they can’t – or won’t – go online.

By virtue of the fact that we are an online forum where the average user is 61, that particular argument clearly doesn’t hold any weight. Yes, some people may choose not to go online, but they are perfectly capable of learning how to do so if they don’t already.

Tablets, in particular, have transformed the way we access content online – they are more intuitive and make the whole experience increasingly user-friendly.

Apart from the Gransnet forums, our users are active on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

Who says when you get to a certain age you have to wear cardies or ugly footwear?

Our users prove that while they aren’t slaves to fast fashion, over time they’ve learnt what suits them. Comfort may be key - one needs to be able to scramble after the grandkids after all - but there’s no reason this couldn’t include skinny jeans and leopard print ballet flats. Getting older – a wonderful, challenging time, but entirely misunderstood by those who aren’t there yet.

Not all pensioners are sitting on private goldmines. Yes, many have benefited from rising house prices, but many have been stung by pension changes or changes in personal circumstances too. Retirement can also be a lonely business. Not having a daily purpose can be debilitating to some. In addition, losing the contact and camaraderie of other colleagues can be a huge adjustment.

Relationships, too, suffer as many find spending so much time together forces them to face the cracks in their marriages.

Lara Crisp Editor, Gransnet

Find out more at Gransnet gransnet.com

“As a society we need to challenge these misconceptions so we can better support the needs of an ageing population.”

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Common issues for women in later life – and how to beat them!

By Gina Clarke

SPONSORED

Examining Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) Everyone needs a balanced endocrine system. After all, hormones regulate every function within the body and so when our hormones are well balanced we feel well, energetic and healthy.

Hormonal imbalance can cause problems such as PMT (premenstrual tension/syndrome) menopausal symptoms, blood sugar fluctuations, fatigue, lethargy, loss of motivation, constant tiredness, mood swings and depression.

Both bio-identical and conventional HRT can provide relief from many of the symptoms suffered. So what is BHRT?

Growing older is a time to embrace life, but it can be difficult when the body’s aging process gets in the way. As women, we often find somewhat new and unwanted surprises. From vaginal dryness to stress incontinence and menopause, here 3 brave ladies share their unique solutions for these common problems.

Sara Carson, 51 “I thought I’d seen the worst of my health problems when I beat breast cancer 5-years ago, but it sent me in to early menopause.

Unable to take HRT I was left to continue with severe dryness down below. Although my Dr was great, he just couldn’t help me and I found the attitude from the rest of the medical profession was that I should be grateful for life, whatever was left. But with constant water infections and unable to make love for 2-years, I’d had enough. I sought help from a new clinic that offered a 15-minute laser treatment, within 5-days I was back to my normal self and haven’t had a UTI since. I went back to my GP about this miracle treatment to plead with him to contact the clinic as currently they are unable to refer. He thought it was brilliant and that more women need to know this sort of treatment is out there!”

Stats: Vaginal atrophy is a common side effect of the menopause for the 1 in 5 women who cannot take HRT.

Cicely Jones, 78 “I first started needing the loo more after my daughter Vanessa was born. It was something to be expected, the mark of a new Mum. But it got worse as I grew older and when Vanessa had her own child and developed a similar condition we both realised that something needed to be done. I

couldn’t collect my own grandchild from school without having to dash behind a parked car. I hated bothering my GP but found a clinic where I could speak to nurses about my symptoms over the phone. One day I may need an operation, but for now I make do with laser treatments when my symptoms get severe. Now I can leave the house and not worry about finding the nearest toilet.”

Stats: Stress incontinence is the most common type of incontinence caused when the bladder is under pressure. Childbirth and the ageing process are predominant factors.

Zarah Kahn, 46 “I had been peri-menopausal for a while but my mood swings were getting worse and I started to sweat more, my colleagues at work actually turned away when they saw me coming! My periods had vanished but still, I wanted to be sure. I found a clinic that would offer a blood test and talk me through my options. It showed that I was low on certain hormones and that was causing these terrible mood swings and the occasional night sweat. I wasn’t keen on HRT, so was amazed to find a natural alternative called Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy. I could actually choose what I topped up my body with, and just a week later the nurse handed me my tailored prescription. Now my colleagues are happy to work with me again, and there’s no more menopausal angry lady!”

Stats: 75% of women experience hot flushes in menopause

1)A bio-identical hormone has the same chemical and molecular structure as the naturally occurring hormone our own bodies produce.

2)Bio-identical hormones are 100% identical to the chemical structure of estradiol, progesterone and testosterone found in the human body and therefore they fit the hormone receptor sites perfectly, enabling their messages to be properly translated.

3)Consequently, the effects are more consistent.

A synthetic hormone used in the more traditional HRT has slight structural differences to a hormone produced by the body, which means it can act differently.

4)Bio-identical hormones are obtained from a plant source (diogesin from wild yam or betasitosterol from soya beans) and manufactured into micronised powder form and then prescribed as a topical cream, patch or a lozenge form.

5)While this treatment may sound relatively new in the UK it has actually been used safely since 1930’s.

This information was brought to you by The Women’s Health Clinic.

The Women’s Health Clinic is the UK’s only group of clinics ran by nurses.

Talk to us today about your women’s health concern, we have experts in midwifery, gynaecology, sexual health, urology, menopause and many others. It’s completely free to call us and one of our nurses is always available to answer – 7 days a week. Call us now on 0800 488 0909.