Seniors Health

Non-urgent advice: Physical Activity Guidelines for Older Adults

Adults over 65 should do some type of physical activity every day. Any type of activity is good for you.

The more you do the better.

Physical Activity Guidelines for Older Adults

Strength Exercises for Older People

Non-urgent advice: Seasonal Flu Vaccination

Flu (influenza) is a very contagious illness that can sometimes be serious, especially for older people and those with certain health conditions.

Every year, the flu vaccine is updated to protect against the strains of flu that experts at the World Health Organisation expect to be most common during the winter.

The seasonal flu vaccine is offered free of charge to people who are at higher risk of complications from flu, including:

– Everyone aged 65 and over.

– People with serious medical conditions.

– Pregnant women.

– People living in care or nursing homes.

– Main carers for elderly or disabled people, where the person’s well being could be at risk if the carer falls ill.

– Healthcare and social care workers who care for patients.

Getting your flu vaccine each year is the best way to protect yourself and those around you from flu and its complications.

For more information, please visit the NHS website.
NHS Website – Flu Vaccine

Non-urgent advice: Shingles Vaccination

Shingles is a common and painful skin condition caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. It can lead to serious complications, especially as we get older.

Who Can Get the Shingles Vaccine?

The NHS offers the shingles vaccine free to people aged 65 to 79. You will usually be offered two doses, given 6 to 12 months apart.

If you turned 65 on or after 1 September 2023, you are eligible for the vaccine and will be invited by your GP.

If you turned 65 before 1 September 2023, you will be eligible when you turn 70.

You remain eligible until your 80th birthday (you can have the second dose up to your 81st birthday).

People aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system can also get the vaccine.

About the Vaccine

The vaccine is given as an injection in the upper arm. Unlike the flu jab, you only need to have it once (or twice if your GP offers the two-dose schedule). You can have it at any time of the year.

The vaccine helps reduce your chance of getting shingles. If you do get shingles after vaccination, your symptoms are likely to be milder and the illness shorter.

Fr more information, please visit the NHS website.
NHS Website – Shingles Vaccine

Non-urgent advice: RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Vaccine

The RSV vaccine helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is a common virus that can cause serious chest infections like bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Most people get mild cold symptoms, but RSV can be very dangerous for babies, older people, and those with certain health problems. The vaccine helps reduce the risk of severe illness and hospital stays caused by RSV, especially during the winter months when the virus is most common.

In England, the NHS offers the RSV vaccine for free to pregnant women from 28 weeks of pregnancy to protect their babies, and to adults aged 75 to 79. The vaccine is given as a single dose and helps protect against RSV for several years. If you or someone you care for is in these groups, you will be invited to have the vaccine.

If you have any questions or want to know more, please contact us online or call our Patient Services Team.
NHS Website – RSV Vaccine

Non-urgent advice: Eating Well and Exercise

We’re bombarded with scare stories about weight, from size zero to the obesity ‘epidemic’. But a healthy body is determined by different factors for each of us.

NHS – Good Food Guide

Information on a healthy diet and ways to make it work for you

NHS – Why be active?

Even a little bit of exercise will make you feel better about yourself, boost your confidence and cut your risk of developing a serious illness.

These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Non-urgent advice: Hearing Loss

Many people over 55 years of age experience some degree of hearing difficulty as they get older. 

This can make it difficult for them to listen to the television or socialise and can make them feel very isolated.

The age-related hearing loss service is for adults age 55+, offering hearing assessment and hearing aids. Please complete the Hearing Loss Audiology Self-Referral Form.

Contact your GP or 111 if you develop any of the following symptoms: 

– Hearing loss and you are under 55 years old.

– Experiencing persistent pain in the ear.

– Discharge other than wax from the ear.

– Fluctuating hearing loss.

– Sudden hearing loss (within 72 hours), or rapid onset (within 90 days or less) hearing loss, dizziness, tinnitus.

Non-urgent advice: Age Concern GX Plus – New Ear Wax Clinic

The Hall Practice does not offer appointments for ear syringing / irrigation to treat ear wax.

Please click the link below to download an information leaflet about ear wax treatment with guidance about how you can manage the problem and the use of drops.

NHS Ear Wax Leaflet

Age Concern GX are now running an Ear Wax Removal Clinic for residents over the age of 65, living in Gerrards Cross, Chalfont St Giles and Chalfont St Peter. The charge for one ear is £25 or £50 for both ears.  If no wax found, no charge will be made.  The clinic will operate on Mondays at Chalfont St. Peter and Gerrards Cross Cross Hospital.

To book please contact 07864 056858.


Age Concern GX Plus Website

The following private providers also offer irrigation services:

Cox Lewis Hearing

Aston Hearing

Help in Hearing

The Microsuction Ear Wax Removal Network