Positive Ageing – column

P

I write a fortnightly column for East Anglian newspapers all about positive ageing. If there’s a topic you’d like me to cover, please get in touch.

26.05.2025Gratitude keeps you young
Christine Webber: Us baby boomers should count our blessings
19.05.2025Focus on gut health
Opinion: Here is how you can improve your gut health
12.05.2025Benefits of connecting with old friends
Opinion: The importance of friendship and social connections
05.05.2025Alarming facts about alcohol
Christine Webber: How to tell if you’re drinking too much
28/04/2025In Praise of Walking
Opinion: Humans are better than any other species at walking
21/04/2025Should retired people consider going back to work?
The importance of older people finding purpose in life
14/04/2025Holidays and well being
Why taking a holiday can be good for your well-being
07/04/2025What I learned on a speed awareness course
Speed awareness course helps motorist rethink driving
31/03/2025Grief and seven year anniversary
The significance of the ‘seven year’ anniversary of loss
24/03/2025Take risks while you can
I want to live life to the full, and take risks while I can
17/03/2025Triumphs are terrific for mental health
Christine Webber’s uplifting message on setting life goals
10/03/2025Skin irritations in older men
Are older men suffering with skin irritation in silence?
03/03/2025Thoughts on International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day event at Gorleston Pavilion
24/02/2025Living in the moment
Opinion: The importance of living in the moment as we age
17/02/2025Whether or not to take supplements
It’s a complicated picture when it comes to supplements
10/02/2025Don’t measure yourself against others
It’s time to stop measuring ourselves against others
03/02/2025How to feel younger
How we can feel younger, no matter what our age is
27.01.2025Preparing for illness and downsizing
The two things on the minds of older people this January
20.01.2025Asking yourself the right questions in order to move on
Opinion: Questions to ask yourself if you are feeling low
13.01.2025Managing fats in order to stay healthy
Christine Webber offers timely advice about how much fat to eat
06.01.2025Feeling lost and what to do about it
Christine Webber offers advice on coping with feeling lost
23.12.2024How life can change at any age  
Christine Webber looks at changes which can happen in life
16.12.2024Let’s be jolly even on difficult days
Christine Webber looks at how to be jolly on tough days
09.12.2024Is your behaviour working for you?
Christine Webber asks if our behaviour is working for us?
02.12.2024Coping positively with winter
Christine Webber shares positive idea for coping with winter
25.11.2024Difficult times do get better
Christine Webber on keeping a sense of perspective
18.11.2024Dealing with health niggles
Christine Webber shares simple health advice for getting older
11.11.2024Coping with the dark months
Christine Webber looks at ways to beat the darkness
04.11.2024Do something amazing for you
Christine Webber offers great advice for autumn and winter
28.10.2024The pitfalls of winter snacking
Christine Webber has good advice to stop the winter snacking
21.10.2024How to be assertive without getting cross
Christine Webber looks at how we can be assertive
14.10.2024Preparing for, and preventing, illness in winter
Opinion: Christine Webber on preparing for ill health
07.10.2024Mistakes and how to avoid them
Christine Webbers say we shouldn’t feel bad about mistakes
30.09.2024When we must seek medical help
Christine Webber looks at when we need professional health help
23.09.2024Be inspired by super-agers
Christine Webber urges us all to do our bit to stay fit
16.09.2024Is this the week to make major changes?
Christine Webber inspires us to make real changes in our lives
09.09.2024Activities – not aloneness
Christine Webber looks at being vigilant about loneliness
02.09.2024How you could stave off dementia
How you could alter your lifestyle to stave off dementia
26/08/2024What can you do to live well for longer?
Cut out the booze and exercise more for a healthier life
19/08/2024How to get back childish enthusiasm
How you can get back childlike enthusiasm in later life
12/08/2024Local charities and the work that they do
Christine Webber salutes charities making a real difference
05/08/2024The dangers of dehydration
Christine Webber looks at the dangers of dehydration
29/07/2024Maximising Happiness   
Christine Webber looks at bottling precious moments in life
22/07/2024Self-compassion
Don’t be too hard on yourself in life’s tougher times
15/07/2024Making new friends in later life requires compromise
Look far and wide to keep your friend stocks topped-up
08/07/2024Don’t let “what ifs” hold you back
Why eliminating all risk leads to a very dull existence. 
01/07/2024Eating is not the solution to difficult emotions
Dangers of relying on food as a way of boosting your mood
24/06/2024Don’t carry your burdens alone  
Discussing anxiety can make you realise others feel the same
10/06/2024Keep on the lookout for new friends
Look out for new friendships, especially in the darkest of days
03/06/2024Make a difference
Christine Webber praises those making a difference
27/05/2024Latest health news
Good brews folks, coffee is actually good for you!
20/05/2024Focusing on what you can still do  
Focus on what we can do when our bodies start to betray us
13/05/2024Boosting Brain Health
How you can boost your brain health and lead a happier life
06/05/2024Keeping positive even on dull days
How to keep positive and engaged on life’s darker days
29/04/2024Look after your mental health when you have a virus
Christine Webber’s advice to chase the viruses away
22/04/2024Accepting it’s hard to change other people
Spirit of compromise can help you both live out your dreams
15/04/2024We must stay decisive
Why it’s important to maintain the ability to be decisive
08/04/2024Never too old to break bad habits
My top tips for how you can break those bad habits
01/04/2024Don’t live in limbo if you’re caring for a loved one
Don’t live life in limbo if you’re caring for an ill relative
25/03/2024Carers also need care
Dedicated carers must care for themselves
18/03/2024We need role models at every age
Having a positive role model is great – even if they’re 90!
11/03/2024  Energetic mind, energetic body
Christine Webber’s timely advice on improving energy levels
04/03/2024Small pleasures may be more effective than big ones 
Why small goals are better than too much of a good thing
26/02/2024Letting go of negative beliefs  
Time to be positive and let go of negative self beliefs
19/02/2024Reviewing the past helps with the present
Go back a decade to find out what sort of person you are
12/02/2024Getting enough sleep
My advice to ensure you get a perfect night of sleep
05/02/2024One step at a time
How you really can boost your health just one step at a time
29/01/2024Eliminate “I’ve reached the stage” from your vocabulary
Be brave and enjoy later life outside your comfort zone
22/01/2024Do we all have SAD this year?
My best tips for combatting seasonal affective disorder
15/01/2024Benefits of volunteering
How to handle that loss of purpose in your 50s and 60s
08/01/2024Time can create the cruellest distance of all
Dealing with the passage of time after a loved one’s death
01/01/2024Don’t let procrastination hold you back
Make 2024 the year you stop procrastinating and do things
18/12/2023Finding compensations in trauma and sadness
Comfort and stoicism can always be found in times of sorrow
11/12/2023Don’t hunker down, find highlights instead
Christine Webber says we mustn’t hunker into winter mode
04/12/2023Connecting with your childhood self can help you now
Connecting with your childhood self could boost adult life
27/11/2023When life trips you up
Tips for dealing with negative emotions when life gets tough
20/11/2023Lower your blood pressure to improve your health
How to stay young and active in later life
13/11/2023Is life really more complex these days?
Christine Webber looks at the complications in life
06/11/2023Top tips on ageing well
My key tips for how to stay happy and positive as we age
30/10/2023Healthier mouth, healthier mind and body
Why looking after your teeth could help prevent Alzheimer’s
23/10/2023How to enjoy autumn
Christine’s top tips for making the best of awesome autumn
16/10/2023Building an action hour into your schedule
My key tip for learning that new skill whatever your age
09/10/2023The right sort of companionship for you
Ditch your comfort zone to find a new partner in later life
25/09/2023Happiness in the moment
Happiness diary can cheer you up on the days you feel down
18/09/2023Men’s Health
We must all help men look out for signs of poor health
11/09/2023Dealing with change when it’s out of your control
How to manage life’s changes that are beyond your control
04/09/2023Implementing the changes you decided upon on holiday
My best advice for how you can make your life better
28/08/2023Hold on to the benefits of that holiday feeling
How to keep high summer spirits all year round
21/08/2023Don’t sleepwalk into ignoring the importance of decent shuteye
Christine Webber has good advice on getting decent sleep
14/08/2023Health span, and how to stay well for longer 
My two top tips to help boost your own health span
07/08/2023Adventures stop your world shrinking
Step out of your comfort zone if you feel life is shrinking.
31/07/2023Write down emotions to make sense of them
Grief journals can help you make sense of life’s tough times.
24/07/2023Smile and the world smiles with you
Carlos Alcaraz has a smile we should all try and emulate
17/07/2023Being alone makes you tired  
Time to join a club if you are tired of being alone.
10/07/2023Never too old to change
Believe me, we are never too old to alter our lifestyles.
03/07/2023Post-pandemic anxiety
Controlling your breathing can help you feel less anxious.
26/06/2023Does an afternoon nap boost brainpower?
Tips to boost the brain – is an afternoon nap one of them?
12/06/2023Boosting your self-esteem
My simple tip for how to boost your own self-esteem.
05/06/2023Why are you out of sorts?
My simple tips to get your life back on track once again.
29/05/2023New circumstances, new friends
Making new friends could be key to enhancing your life.
22/05/2023Avoiding the Bank Holiday Blues
Bank holiday Monday blues can be avoided if you plan ahead.
15/05/2023Coronation music and its power
Coronation a reminder of the collective power of music.
08/05/2023Vitamin D for energy
Vitamin D: Is it the missing energy boost your body needs?
01/05/2023Be smart and specific if you want results
Think SMART: Why specificity is key to sorting life’s problems.
24/04/2023 Eating for Energy
Lacking energy? Don’t reach for the foods your body craves.
17/04/2023Time to return to how we were
The other day, I found a very old newspaper. It was fascinating, especially the adverts.
10/04/2023Getting your confidence back
I bumped into a friend the other day. She’s generally so bright and breezy, but there was something different about her.
03/04/2023Good news! Older people are good at making decisions
This is the time of year when big decisions tend to be taken.
27/03/2023When illness or injury leads to depression
One of the aspects of growing older, as many of us know, is that it’s a time of extraordinary change.
20/03/2023Salvaging a failing but long-term relationship
Last week, I wrote about life after the death of a spouse.
13/03/2023What five years or widowhood have taught me
Last Thursday, was the fifth anniversary of my husband’s death. As you do, on those sorts of days, I found myself thinking about what I’ve done since then, and what I’ve learned.
06/03/2023Should older people return to work?
The experience and attitude of older workers has plenty of appeal to employers
27/02/2023Don’t be a smellfungus!
When I was small, my father was on a committee in charge of a project to turn a large church into a smaller one and transform the remaining space into a community centre.
20/02/2023How the next of kin question triggers emotions
It can be very awkward to think of a suitable answer when asked to name a next of kin
13/02/2023Could you foster a patient?
Just over a fortnight ago, there was a very interesting piece in the EDP and Evening News by David Hannant, specialist reporter on health and education.
06/02/2023Balancing on one leg the key to better health
Can you unleash your inner flamingo and balance on one leg for a period of time? It could be key to your future health
30/01/2023Halt dementia with two key steps
I was eating my breakfast bowl of porridge the other morning while vaguely listening to a news bulletin when I heard something which made me put my spoon down and take notice.
23/01/2023Don’t let Blue Monday get you down
Last week, as you might have noticed, there was a day designated by the media as “Blue Monday”
16/01/2023Volunteering helps you feel special
I remember seeing an interview with the fabulous Dame Maggie Smith some years ago
09/01/2023If Christmas was a pain, make changes before the next one
So, how are you all – now that the dust has settled over the festive period?
02/01/2023Eliminate spiralling stress
So, we’ve endured the longest night, we’ve negotiated Christmas and lurched into 2023. Now what?
19/12/2022Share your back story with young relatives
It’s funny what you think about when you can’t sleep, isn’t it?
12/12/2022OPINION: Keep warm to keep health
Recently, I read an article which claimed that being cold can lead to loneliness
07/12/2022OPINION: Self-care for the carer
Christine says people who are caring for others in the final stages of their lives must make time for themselves
28/11/2022OPINION: How to feel better right now
Getting outdoors, wearing bright colours and having a good old sing – the robin is the perfect advocate of Christine’s tips for staying positive this winter
21/11/2022OPINION: Remembrance
Christine says a walk in the woods at this time of year can keep you feeling positive, especially if you’re mourning a big change in life circumstances
14/11/2022OPINION: Inspirational trio
I love to be inspired. I’m sure you do too
07/11/2022OPINION: Christmas pitfalls
Of all years, this one should be one where spending is under control and realistic, argues Christine
31/10 2022OPINION: It is time to declutter?
Christine Webber says most of us could do with a good clear-out at home
24/11/2022OPINION: Get out of your comfort zone
Christine on her recent holiday
10/10/2022OPINION: 30 Life-changes to help you age positively
Using weights to exercise can help keep you in shape in your later years
03/10/2022OPINION: Empty nest syndrome
Christine Webber says parents need to embrace the freedom when their children leave for university
26/09/2022OPINION: Avoid SAD
For some people, shorter autumn and winter days can cause Seasonal Affective Disorder
19/09/2022OPINION: The Queen and how to live well and long
The Queen pictured at Balmoral two days before she died aged 96
12/09/2022OPINION: Think like the Stoic philosophers
In her experience, Christine says getting support from friends or family will help in times of crisis
05/09/2022OPINION: Autumn resolutions
Grandma loved to show the youngsters how to use her little knife
29/08/2022OPINION: In praise of stepfamilies
Christine stays being a stepmother or stepfather should be seen as one of life’s positives
22/08/2022OPINION: Living with a depressed partner
Christine says gentle reminders of your love for your partner will always help
15/08/2022OPINION: Don’t bore with your complaints
Skipping is a good example of a weight bearing exercise that gives a good work-out
08/08/2022OPINION: Ask, don’t tell, if you want to be helpful
So often sitting down over a cuppa and having a chat is the best way to offer support
01/08/2022OPINION: Gratitude
Christine Webber says whatever life throws at you, try and stay positive
25/07/2022OPINION: Dame Judi is my positive ageing model
Dame Judi Dench is Christine’s positive ageing role model
18/07/2022OPINION: Benefits of dogs
Dogs can bring invaluable structure, routine and clarity of thought in good times and bad
11/07/2022OPINION: Loneliness
There are many steps you can take to avoid feeling alone
27/06/2022OPINION: New romance
You’re never too late to find new love, says Christine Webber
20/06/2022OPINION: Meeting the NHS halfway
Christine Webber argues that making lifestyle changes is key to easing the burden on the NHS
13/06/2022OPINION: Could a 4-day week be the answer
Getting the balance right between being busy and having a life is key as we begin to lead normal lives again
06/06/2022OPINION: Divorce – and considering the children
When divorce is the only answer to a sour marriage, put the children first, says Christine
30/05/2022OPINION: Is sorry the hardest word?
Elton John, who had a hit with Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word in 1976
23/05/2022OPINION: Steps towards change
It may seem like a long road, but sticking with plans to improve yourself for the better will pay off, says Christine
16/05/2022OPINION: The Money Conversation – and why we need to have it
Differences over money can stem from something as simple as the cost of a gift like fudge or the purchase of a sports car, says Christine
09/05/2022OPINION: Energy is the key to a happier life
Simple changes to your lifestyle and diet could do wonders for your energy levels
02/05/2022OPINION: You’re never too old to be bold!
Christine says the mould can be broken at any age
25/04/2022OPINION: Memory – and how to improve it
Humans cannot compete with the computing power and memory of AI but Christine’s tips might help you remember where your car keys are
18/04/2022OPINION: Why 2022 is the year of the hug
A hug can make people of all ages so happy, says Christine
11/04/2022OPINION: My golden rules for happiness as you get older
Christine Webber on her birthday tour of Scotland
04/04/2022OPINION: Let’s stay together – my simple steps to saving a relationship
Simply holding hands or taking a walk together at a favourite place can do wonders for a relationship
21/03/2022OPINION: Mothering Sunday – sadly Mother’s Day is not a joyful occasion for everyone
So often sitting down over a cuppa and having a chat is the best way to offer support
07/03/2022OPINION: Long grief – and how life changes, even years later, intensify our loss
Christine says keeping old photos of lost loved ones out and not hidden away will help
21/02/2022OPINION: Feeling tired all the time? Take action by getting active
Keeping active – from swimming to dancing around the kitchen may make you feel less tired, says Christine
07/02/2022OPINION: Keep busy, be happy and don’t slide into poor mental health
Christine says meeting a pal for a coffee or going out for a meal with a partner can do wonders for your mental health
23/01/2022OPINION: Is your LFT getting in the way of positive January change?
Christine Webber says your frustration tolerance could be the difference between craving biscuits or broccoli this month
27/12/2021OPINION: Let’s use Rose’s spirit and resolve to challenge ourselves in 2022
Strictly Come Dancing 2021 champions Giovanni Pernice and Rose Ayling-Ellis
13/12/2021OPINION: Single at Christmas? Make plans, get out and socialise
Christine Webber urges single people not to stay home alone at Christmas
29/11/2021OPINION: Why the amazing Lady Glenconner is my new role model
Christine recently met Lady Glenconner and has been on a high ever since
15/11/2021OPINION: Nominating a Crisis Buddy can help when confidence is low
It’s all about the confidence… nominating a Crisis Buddy can help you when self-esteem is low
18/10/2021OPINION: Why lighting a candle can help you deal with grief in winter
Christine Webber says lighting a candle or planting a shrub in memory of a lost family member or friend can work wonders through dark winter months
3/10/2021OPINION: Don’t be an autumn hermit! We should embrace the darker months
Christine Webber urges people not to stay in and hide away this autumn but instead get out, meet people and do fun things together
20/09/2021OPINION: Why a hello and goodbye kiss can save a relationship
Most marriages start with a kiss – and keeping that greeting going during them can really help, says Christine Webber
06/09/2021OPINION: September’s a chance to rescue the shambles of August
Christine Webber says it’s time to get back on track this September
09/08/2021Shocking comments aimed at RNLI show woeful unkindness
Comments that the RNLI are offering a “migrant taxi service” show a lack of humanity, argues Christine Webber
26/07/2021OPINION: Don’t be alarmed if you are turning into your parents
Don’t be alarmed if you find you pick up the some traits and interests as your parents as you get older, says Christine
12/07/2021OPINION: Don’t panic as restrictions ease, do things at your own pace
Christine says there is no point in panicking about things as the world begins to open up again
28/06/2021OPINION: Revisiting friends from our youths has many benefits
Christine says we long to reconnect with childhood friends when we get older to yearn for simpler times
14/06/2021OPINION: Summer 2021 is a balance between normality and simplicity
Getting stressed about something as trivial as traffic queues seems crazy in the post-lockdown world, says Christine
31/05/2021OPINION: Now is the wrong time to start complaining about anything
Christine Webber says we should ignore complainers as we exit lockdown
17/05/2021OPINION: How you can get some Purpose, Structure and Balance in your life
Taking time out for yourself and getting clarity in your own mind is vital for your well being, says Christine Webber
03/05/2021Seven steps to making May the month you get back in shape
A warm breakfast like porridge – with optional nuts and berries – will give you a great start to the day. Christine sometimes has two bowls a day!
19/04/2021It’s fine to walk and not run straight into post-lockdown life
Christine suggests everything from exercise classes to working in an office to meeting up with friends may seem a little strange as lockdown rules ease
22/03/2021How celebrating yourself can help ease you back into post-lockdown life
Christine Webber says you can aid your return to post-lockdown life by celebrating what’s good about you
08/03/2021App-y days are here to stay if you’re brave and embrace modern technology
Walking and fitness apps can be a great help to your health, especially in lockdown, says Christine Webber
22/02/2021Better parenting and ditching stale friendships – how lockdown changed us
Dads in particular have had more time to spend with their children as they both spend more time at home during the week – one of the positives of lockdown, says Christine Webber
08/02/2021The kindness of strangers is remarkable and heartwarming
Christine Webber became emotional when she received her invitation to have her Covid-19 vaccination
25/01/2021How to get things done and survive these dull winter lockdown days
Are days passing you by and you’re getting nothing done?
11/01/2021How I’ve helped to reduce my back pain during lockdown
28/12/2020Our gift to the NHS is to stop making them cure our own self-indulgent habits
Smoke too many cigarettes and consume too much alcohol and you could be putting added pressure on the NHS, says Christine Webber
11/12/2020Small pleasures have counted for so much in 2020
Many of us have rediscovered simple pleasures, such as the joy of gardening, says Christine.
29/11/2020Moving with the times like Strictly’s Bill Bailey will make you look and feel younger
Bill Bailey, star of this year’s Strictly, has shown older people can be very active
16/11/2020Why we don’t want to be living All By Myself anymore
Columnist Christine Webber says we no longer crave our own space
01/11/2020Why it’s never been more vital to share our inner feelings
Columnist Christine Webber says now is not the time to keep things bottled up inside
19/10/2020Walking back to happiness – why going for a stroll is so good for you
Many health charities point to walking as the simplest exercise that benefits mind, body and soul. 
04/10/2020Think small, nice things and that’ll get you through the autumn blues
Simple things like the next cup of coffee or a walk in the park will help combat your autumn blues
21/09/2020Lockdown has heightened our fear of losing control – but we can handle it!
Christine Webber says we’ve handled similar restrictions on our liberty before and we can do it again
06/09/2020 Feeling stressed? Only you can do something about it
Columnist Christine Webber has some advice if you’re getting a bit stressed by the events of 2020 so far
23/08/2020 You’re not losing your memory, just forgetting how to remember
Christine says many of us forget things, but simple measures such as writing things down or using songs or rhymes to remember things can help
10/08/2020 What are the secrets of the ‘super agers’?
Our columnist explores ways in which to age well.
27/07/2020Time to give the children in your life a summer to remember after coronavirus woes
So many children have faced major disruption to their young lives over the past six months that it’s up to the adults in their lives to give them a blast over the next few weeks, says Christine Webber
12/07/2020Over eaten during lockdown? There’s a simple trick to getting back in shape
Christine Webber has had plenty of dealings with problem eaters over the years – and has one great bit of advice if you’ve piled on the pounds during lockdown
29/06/2020 Life’s complete now there’s another heartbeat in the house
Columnist Christine Webber realised something was missing in her life as lockdown set in. Now she’s found out just what it was…
14/06/2020Have your sleep patterns been compromised by coronavirus crisis?
Struggling to shut down at the end of the day during lockdown? Christine Webber has nine tips to make sure you sleep easy at night.
31/05/2020 Stop kidding yourself chaps and take a good look at your own health
Technology changes mean it’s never been easier to speak to your doctor, which is something plenty of men need to do, says Christine Webber.
17/05/2020 A quiz, a language or ironing with the wrong hand – keep your brain engaged
Christine Webber says its so important to keep the brain engaged as we get older, especially of many of us are spending more time on their own
04/05/2020 Is it finally becoming OK to talk about weight now?
It’s human nature to try to look for the positives. Christine Webber sees several: including that Covid-19 might finally start to break down taboos around weight and obesity
20/04/2020 How lockdown could literally change your life
Christine Webber says many of her friends are thinking of completely overhauling their lives after lockdown. Although this phase of our lives has been very challenging, perhaps there is a chance to turn it into something truly radical?
04/07/2020 Coronavirus has sorted out the heroes from the villains
As we all deal with the impact of coronavirus, the nation seems to have naturally championed those who deserve our praise and, as Christine Webber suggests, filtered out those for whom we have diminishing respect
22/03/2020 Structure, helping others and doing a jigsaw will all help right now!
Well you’ve survived a weekend of staying inside. But what now? Christine Webber offers some tips for how to get through this week
09/03/2020 Don’t worry be happy, seems to be the apt mantra right now
Taking joy in the little things is the way to get through each day, says Christine Webber
23/02/2020Marriage on the rocks? Go back to the start and remember why you first fell in love
Christine Webber says its best go back to basics and the start of your relationship if your marriage has gone a tad stale
10/02/2020 The importance of good friends and good health as we get older
Having a good friend is not only vital to get you through life’s daily troubles but it will also enhance your health and possibly prolong your life, says Christine Webber
30/01/2020 Can we do anything to stop dementia?
Christine Webber’s mother suffered from Alzheimer’s so she has more reason than most to investigate brain health
12/01/2020 How to say ‘no’ if you really have to
Christine Webber says it pays to put yourself first when dealing with a difficult situation
29/12/2019 Be SMART and you really can achieve goals in 2020
Thinking of making a new year’s resolution? Be positive and realistic and you can get there, says Christine Webber
15/12/2019 How to this survive Christmas if you’re not exactly full of festive cheer
Christmas can be a time some people want to avoid – but there are ways you can get through it without being down
01/12/2019 My two tips to make sure you never get old
You can deal with getting older by staying fit and positive, says Christine Webber (aged 72 and three quarters)