Contact your local health board on 01382 818479

Health promotion and prevention of ill health are important aspects of health care. That's why a number of initiatives have been launched to help and support older people in continuing to live healthy independent lives. These include:

Free prescriptions for over 60s

Anyone over 60 does not have to pay for prescriptions. There is a box on the back of the prescription you will be asked to sign. Some GP practices have a computerised prescribing system which will show your date of birth on the prescription - if not you may be asked to provide evidence of age.

Home delivery of prescriptions

Some pharmacies are able to make deliveries to people who are housebound or have a service to collect repeat prescriptions from local GP practices. If this would be useful to you ask your pharmacist - there may, however, be a charge for this service.

Help managing your medicine

Pharmacists can offer patients who have difficulty managing their medicines 'compliance aids' or 'monitored dosage systems'. These aids are in the form of small boxes which hold seven days of the patient's medication in compartments. There may be a charge for this service and it is always advisable to discuss any difficulty you may be having with your pharmacist so that they can help find the most effective solution.

Free NHS sight tests for over 60s

Anyone aged 60 or over is entitled to a free NHS sight test. It is recommended that adults have a sight test every two years. But, for those over 70 a yearly check has been suggested by a joint working party of the UK Department of Health and professional bodies representing optometrists. 

If you think you are hard of hearing or may need a hearing aid, the first thing you need to do is visit your GP. You may then be referred to the audiology department at your local hospital to have your hearing tested or your GP may arrange for audiology staff to visit their surgery. If the test suggest you would find a hearing aid useful, the audiology staff will choose an NHS hearing aid for you. There are different types of hearing aid available on the NHS and the type prescribed to individual patients is based on clinical judgement and clinical priorities.

Annual health checks for people over 75

Routine health checks are available at your GP practice if you are 75 or over. This is aimed at picking up new or worsening problems and usually involves a series of simple assessments by a nurse or doctor.

Free flu and pneumococcal immunisation for over 65s

Complications such as pneumonia and severe bronchitis can follow a dose of the flu. That's why It is Scottish Executive policy to offer these immunisation to all people 65 and over, and those under 65 who have long term medical complaints that put them at risk. You should be invited to have a flu jab by your GP practice in late summer/early autumn.

Breast Screening

The NHS Scotland breast screening programme provides screening every three years to women aged 50 and over. Women aged 50 to 64 are routinely invited for screening. You will not automatically be invited if you are over 70, but still have the right to screening every three years on request. If it's more than three years since your last mammogram contact your GP for more information.

Help with health costs

People 60 and over do not have to pay for prescriptions and NHS sight tests. But - unless you are able to claim the guarantee part of Pension Credit - you do have to pay for dental check ups, dental treatment and new glasses. If, however, you have a low income and savings of £12,000 or less you may be able to get help with these costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme.

Information courtesy of 'Age Concern Factsheet 44s Scotland, NHS Services and older people, January 2005'. Website:www.ageconcernscotland.org.uk