These days we can expect to live longer. In the UK, women live to 82 on average, while men live to 78. However, whilst the older generation can, on the whole, look forward to longer years of good health than before, three-quarters of people aged 65 and over report living with a major illness.

As we age we are more susceptible to a host of illnesses, some of the most common including arthritis, Alzheimer's Disease and other dementia, osteoporosis, strokes and other cardiac conditions.

But help is on hand for all carers trying to give their loved ones as active, happy and healthy a lifestyle as possible in later life.

After reading the general tips for carers of older poeple outlined below, you can find answers to any specific queries relating to old age by clicking the links and related articles.

Advice for carers

Watching a loved one affected by illnes can be a stressful, not to mention upsetting time. From the day-to-day concerns such as whether or not the one you care for has remembered to take their medicine, to the bigger issues like whether or not you should bring elderly parents to live with you or if a nursing home would be better, the challenges posed by caring for older people can be some of the toughest you've faced.

However, there is a wealth of support on hand; the resources on this page will help you find practical advice in areas such as: looking after older people at home, benefits that those you care for may be entitled to, information and services to help you address the specific health problems associated with old age, and, equally important, how to look after yourself too!

Additionally there's our discussion boards and online chat room, and many other online organisations dedicated to ageing issues where you can chat with other carers and learn from their experiences.