Age Scotland

08/10/2026

The Pension Age Winter Heating Payment helps older people with their energy bills during winter.

Most pensioners in Scotland will receive it automatically. But if your annual, individual income, including your State Pension, is more than £35,000, the payment will be recovered through the tax system later.

If you expect your income to be over £35,000 this year and in future years, you can choose to opt out before the payment is made.

Opting out is quick and easy and may save you time dealing with additional tax paperwork later. You can do it online or by phone by 19 October.

Find out more about the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, and how to opt out if it you won't be eligible to keep it at: www.agescotland.org.uk/news/1654-pension-age-winter-heating-payment-what-you-need-to-know

If you receive the State Pension, and your total annual income is £35,000 or more, you will be asked to return the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment. Opting out of this automatic payment could save you time and administrative hassle with your tax later.

07/10/2026

Imagine cycling 66 miles around Loch Ness on traffic-free roads, surrounded by some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery.

We have four charity places available for Etape Loch Ness 2027.

By joining Team Age Scotland, you'll take on an incredible personal challenge while raising funds that help older people across Scotland access the advice, friendship and support they need.

📅 Sunday 25 April 2027
🚴 66 miles / 106km
🎯 £400 fundraising target

The ballot for our charity places closes on 14 October.

Find out more and apply today: www.agescotland.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise/challenges-events/1651-etape-loch-ness

01/10/2026

Today is the International Day of Older Persons, and we are celebrating the hundreds of older people's groups and clubs across Scotland who are members of Age Scotland.

They help older people stay connected, supported and involved in the places they call home.

Monday Club on the Isle of Lewis shows just how powerful these connections can be. For people affected by stroke and other long-term health conditions, it provides friendship, confidence, support and a genuine sense of belonging.

As one member put it: "We are family."

Community groups like this help ensure older people feel seen, valued and included every day of the year.

Read Monday Club's inspiring story: www.agescotland.org.uk/news/1657-celebrating-the-power-of-community-international-day-of-older-persons

01/10/2026

We are sad to hear of the death of Dame Esther Rantzen, whose compassion, vision and determination changed countless lives.

Esther recognised the serious impact that loneliness and isolation can have on older people and worked tirelessly to ensure those facing difficult times had someone to turn to. After creating Childline to support children and young people, she went on to establish The Silver Line, providing friendship, support and a listening ear for older people.

Age Scotland was proud to work with Esther to launch The Silver Line Scotland in 2013. The service brought together the expertise of our helpline advisers with The Silver Line's vital listening service, offering support to older people across Scotland.

Through that partnership, we deepened our understanding of the impact of loneliness and isolation on older people's wellbeing. The evidence and experience we gained helped us shape our services and make the case to government and others that tackling loneliness must be recognised as an important part of supporting people to age better and live well.

Esther's legacy lives on in the services, support and advocacy that continue to make a difference to older people's lives every day. We are proud to have been part of that.

Our thoughts are with Esther's family, friends and all those whose lives she touched.

30/09/2026

"My family was all there...but I felt very different."

Sheila knows first-hand how quickly life can change.

After suddenly losing her husband of 54 years, loneliness became part of everyday life. Even when surrounded by family, she often felt disconnected from the world around her.

Her story highlights the reality faced by too many older people across Scotland and why no one should face the silence of old age alone.

Read Sheila's story: www.age.scot/sheilas-story

25/09/2026

A fall can affect more than your physical health. It can knock your confidence, independence and make it harder to stay connected to the people and activities you enjoy.

This Falls Awareness Week, we're sharing five simple ways to help reduce your risk of falls and stay steady on your feet as you age.

✅ Keep moving
✅ Build strength and balance
✅ Make your home safer
✅ Look after your feet
✅ Get checked if you're feeling unsteady

Falls are not an inevitable part of growing older. Taking small steps now can help you stay active, independent and confident for longer.

📖 Click through our tips and share them with friends, family and neighbours.

If you are worried about slips, trips and stumbles, read our free information guide: www.agescotland.org.uk/information-advice/information-guides/health-wellbeing/83-worried-about-trips-slips-and-stumbles

24/09/2026

A fall can change more than your physical health. It can affect confidence, independence and connection to the people and places that matter most.

This Falls Awareness Week, we're highlighting how staying active, building strength and maintaining confidence can help older people stay independent and connected to their communities.

Body Boosting Bingo is helping older people across Scotland do that, combining movement, fun and friendship to support healthier ageing.

From community groups in Helensburgh to NHS wards in Forth Valley, Body Boosting Bingo is helping older people stay active, maintain their independence and reduce their risk of falls.

Find out more about Falls Awareness Week and how Body Boosting Bingo is making a difference:
www.agescotland.org.uk/news/1653-falls-week-staying-on-your-feet

Falls Prevention Week 2026 takes place this week, 22nd – 26th September, and highlights why it’s important to take action to reduce falls and support older people to live longer, healthier lives. Age Scotland offers Body Boosting Bingo leader training to help improve strength and balance as we a...

22/09/2026

🎉Our weekly lottery has turned ONE!

Over the last year there have been hundreds of winners and thousands of pounds in prizes.

Every pound we raise supports the hundreds of older people's groups across the country who are members of Age Scotland, including through our community grant programme.

Could you be our next winner? Every ticket helps make a difference. Play today!

www.agescotlandlottery.co.uk

21/09/2026

Where would you be without water?

Water plays a vital role in our everyday lives, often in ways we take for granted. From enjoying a morning cuppa to showering, washing hands, tending the garden, and keeping active. It is essential to our health, wellbeing and independence.

Age Scotland and Scottish Water are here to support those who need it most. Find out more about the free Priority Service Register, Text Alerts service and free Age Scotland advice guides. Here for you, rain or shine.

www.age.scot/water

15/09/2026

👏 Wow!

We're taking a moment to celebrate the incredible efforts of supporters who took on two tough fundraising challenges this weekend.

The fantastic fundraisers from Sky and Heriot-Watt University completed the Kiltwalk, while a wonderful team from Occupational Therapy: Aberdeenshire Council embraced the mud, obstacles and excitement of the Beast Race dressed as grannies 😂

Every mile they walked and muddy obstacle conquered helps us offer older people in Scotland information, advice, friendship and support when they need it most.

To everyone who took part, encouraged teammates, donated and cheered from the sidelines, thank you. Your commitment and generosity makes a huge difference to people's lives.

Thank you for being part of Team Age Scotland and demonstrating the positive impact that can be achieved when people come together behind a cause they care about.