Just over 5% of the Luton population is defined as in bad health. This rises rapidly as the population ages. Only 3% of the 0–59-year-old population are in bad health, but this rises to 17% for the over 60s and 24% for the over 80s. 48% of the individuals in Luton measured as being in bad health are aged over 60.

People aged 65+ are more likely to report having a long-term condition or illness than people aged 16-54. 82% of people aged 65-74 self-report having a mental or physical

health condition or illnesses lasting, or expected to last, 12 months or more. This rises to 87% and 90% for those aged 75 to 84 and 85+, respectively.

Many older people experience difficulties with day-to-day activities due to their health. The GP Patient Survey 2025 found 56% of people aged 65-74 felt their long-term condition or illness reduced their ability to carry out day-to-day activities increasing to 62% and 77% for those aged 75-84 and 85+, respectively.

Our Home Support service provides regular domestic support (housework, laundry, shopping) to help older people overcome their difficulties with day-to-day activities and enable them to remain at home living independently.

Falls and fractures are a common and serious health issue faced by older people. Around one in three people aged 65+ and half of people aged 80+ will have at least one fall a year. In 2023/24, 220,000 people aged 65+ in England had an emergency hospital admission due to a fall. Falls are a significant cause of both emergency admission to hospital and admission to long-term residential care.

Our Falls Prevention service helps to ensure that the home environment is safe for older people, helping them remain independent in their own homes for longer.