Greater London Forum for Older People

14/08/2026

10/08/2026

A yellow heat-health alert is in place for London until 9pm on Tuesday 11 August.

Hot weather can put some people’s health at risk - particularly older people, babies and young children under 5.

Read more about helping others cope in hot weather. https://nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/

29/07/2026

26/06/2026

26/06/2026

Yesterday we handed in an open letter of over 10,000 signatures to the Environment and Transport Committee at London Councils.

Alongside our friends at Unite London and Eastern we demonstrated our opposition to any changes to the Freedom Pass.

The good news is that London Councils has confirmed there will be no review. A huge win for us and everyone who signed the petition or supported the campaign.

London Councils said yesterday.

“No changes are planned to the Freedom Pass. The provision and scope of the Freedom Pass are set out in national legislation.

“All 32 London boroughs and the City of London Corporation fund and deliver the Freedom Pass scheme which enables London residents over the age of 66 to travel free on all public transport modes in the capital.

“We welcome Age UK London’s visit to London Councils’ headquarters and recognise the vital work it undertakes to secure a high quality of life for older residents across the capital. We will continue to work closely with Age UK London as a trusted partner to ensure London local government meets the needs of older residents.”

Since the beginning of the year when this story broke in the media we now have an end to the anxiety and distress for older Londoners who were worried about the Freedom Pass being taken away. The Freedom Pass is used by over a million people to volunteer, work, carry out caring responsibilities, socialise with friends and family, attend wellbeing and health classes and attend medical appointments.

We are really pleased that London Councils has made this announcement but we will continue to keep a watchful on this issue for the future.

08/05/2026

https://youtu.be/ijaUqRduprA

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

05/05/2026

Decades of research show that regular cardiovascular activity is one of the strongest defenses against heart disease, and walking remains one of the most accessible ways to achieve it. Unlike more intense exercise, walking places minimal strain on joints while still stimulating the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Even at a moderate pace, it improves circulation, supports healthy blood pressure, and helps regulate cholesterol and blood sugar levels. These effects accumulate gradually, making walking especially effective when practiced consistently.

Studies comparing different forms of exercise suggest that walking can significantly reduce heart disease risk despite being lower intensity than running or cycling. One reason is adherence. People are far more likely to maintain a walking routine over months and years because it fits easily into daily life. Consistency matters more than intensity for long term cardiovascular protection. An exercise plan only works if it becomes a habit rather than a short burst of motivation.

Walking is also adaptable. As fitness improves, pace, distance, or terrain can be adjusted to increase challenge and benefit. Hills, intervals, or longer routes add intensity without changing the core habit. In this way, walking provides a foundation for lifelong movement, offering steady protection for the heart while supporting overall physical and mental wellbeing.

Research Paper 📄
PMID: 31146804
PMID: 20625280