There’s a raft of data suggesting that many women are having more sex after the menopause. Good. Excellent in fact. Long may this continue.

And yet, the same time, changes to the vagina and vulva may be setting in, leading to increased UTIs, leaking, splitting skin, night-time loo trips…and painful sex. To my intense irritation, women are unlikely to be told about this at any point in our lives. Or the straightforward, effective and cheap solutions available to fix this.

Vaginas aren’t embarrassing, they’re a fact of life, and now is the time to tend them as carefully as any other part of your body.

The deeply unappealing cluster of symptoms is known – rather horribly – as Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), and they are basically down to a lack of oestrogen. It’s also something that’s historically been spoken about in hushed voices, laughed at, or totally ignored. Studies suggest that it affects around eighty per cent of women. In reality, from years of interviewing menopausal women, I’d say that number is more likely to be 100 per cent, and especially as we head into our fifties and beyond.

I do know what I’m talking about…

I shan’t go into too much personal detail, but I have some experience here. After treatment for breast cancer, and having to come off HRT aged 51, the main menopause symptom I noticed – within just a few weeks – was vaginal dryness, pain, and skin so dehydrated that it split and bled. It felt like the ultimate insult to be honest. What’s more, nobody had so much as mentioned it as a possibility. It’s only because I write about menopause that I joined the dots myself.

I am grumpy about my experience, because anything to do with cancer treatment makes me feel cross. But I am far more angry about the sheer number of women suffering in silence. This is why menopause education is so vital. If you are reading this with a sense of recognition, please make a GP or practice nurse appointment. Yes, it’s awkward speaking to a healthcare professional about your private parts; but they have honestly heard it all before.

Once you develop GSM it is not going to resolve on its own. Left untreated, it will worsen. As I say, too few of us are even aware that a) the vagina and vulva are affected by peri/menopause, and b) that the best solution is appropriate for almost everyone.

You will perhaps have seen many remedies advertised, and I’d recommend avoiding most of them. You do not need expensive salon treatments. There is research on-going into laser treatments but it’s mostly pretty inconclusive.

What you do need is vaginal oestrogen

This is available on prescription and is applied directly to the area. It comes in the form of a cream, pessary, or ring. Normally you use it once a day for two weeks, and then twice a week indefinitely. Even if you have had a hormonal cancer, it is almost always considered absolutely safe (these are official guidelines obviously, I’m not a medic). There are very few women who are not allowed to use it, as it’s not systemic, meaning that it doesn’t affect the whole body. And you can also use it alongside HRT. There is no breast cancer risk (if you are wondering).

Between doses, a decent vaginal moisturiser can help with extra hydration and comfort. Again, you can ignore expensive options (though there are some rather nice ones available). They can be prescribed or bought over the counter. You may wish to use a lubricant during sex to reduce friction, and here I’d recommend the YES Water-based personal lubricant or Sutil Luxe.

If you can’t bear the thought of discussing this, all the solutions are available over the counter or even online. Including vaginal oestrogen, although this isn’t a cheap route.

Alongside all this, do your pelvic floor exercises, and do them religiously. The pelvic floor is a muscle just like any other, and it needs working out.

What I find staggering is how profoundly GSM can affect our lives. I have interviewed women whose relationships, confidence and daily comfort have been wrecked by it, as well as women post cancer who aren’t ‘allowed’ vaginal oestrogen.

Once I had a prescription my symptoms entirely resolved within a couple of weeks. Easy. But also, so pointlessly and time-wastingly hard.

Alice Smellie

Alice Smellie is a journalist writing for many national publications, including Daily Mail, Telegraph, and Marie Claire, and is co-author of Cracking the Menopause and Menopause Is Hot: Everything You Need to Know to Thrive with Mariella Frostrup, and a co-founder of campaign group, Menopause Mandate. She lives in Somerset with her three children and two dogs.

The post There’s a reason why your vagina is dry and unhappy appeared first on Silver Magazine.

You don’t need weeks of planning to give something she’ll genuinely love. These are some of our favourite last-minute Valentine’s gifts for her that still feel thoughtful, indulgent and special.

Elemis Superfood Essentials set, £54 (products worth £84 separately)

We love Elemis anything, but this is a fabulous gift for someone wanting a treat for their skin. A big old dose of ‘superfood’ hydration and glow, designed to feed your skin and nurture your complexion. Set includes Superfood Midnight Facial, Multi Mist, and Facial Oil.
Get it here

Laura Mercier Caviar Hydra Crème Lipstick – 520 Flame Challis, £36

Does anything say super-sexy as provocatively as a daring red lip? Providing up to eight hours of pigment-true wear, this hydrating formula resists creasing, feathering and fading, and is a win for more mature skins because of this. Drying down with a sculpting satin finish, it helps to nourish the skin, minimising the look of fine lines and dryness.
Get it here

Molton Brown Fiery Pink Pepper Eau de Parfum, 100ml, £140

Part of the exciting Molton Brown Pink Pepper range. Imagine a humid dusk in the tropics. Jewelled birds of paradise flaunt across warm air. The scent of crushed sweet spices drift over colourful rooftops. Entice curiosity with aromatic adventure. Smouldering. Sultry. Stirring. That’s what this scent is like…
Get it here

LUSH – You Are Lush bath bomb duo gift set, £12

Let your Valentine know how lush they really are with the creamy ‘Love Letter’. Then sweep them off their feet with the uplifting Life In Rosy Light bath bomb — sure to melt hearts and soften baths. Love this little limited edition set – grab it while you can.
Get it here

St. Tropez Cherry Macaron Self Tan Kit, £40

We’re a sucker for anything St. Tropez, and this limited-edition duo is a joy to use. The Classic Mousse delivers that familiar streak-free, natural-looking glow the brand does so well, while the new Cherry Hair & Body Mist adds a playful, indulgent scent that feels like a proper treat. A great pick for glow-getters who like their tan with a little extra fun.
Get it here

Givenchy Irresistible Eau de Parfum Nectar, 35ml £72, 50ml £100

This new addition to the Irresistible family is playful, indulgent and seriously moreish. Think juicy rose, creamy pistachio and a warm vanilla-wood base that lingers beautifully on the skin. It feels romantic without trying too hard, and we can’t stop spritzing it.
Get it here

Odylique Organic Rose Gift Set, £68.50

A beautifully put-together set for anyone who loves rose or craves calm, comforted skin. Inside you’ll find Odylique’s most-loved organic rose products to cleanse, tone and moisturise, all gentle, nourishing and quietly luxurious. A thoughtful, easy win.
Get it here

Subversive Scents by The Rolling Stones Sticky Fingers Gift Box, 100ml £105

This one’s bold, sultry and a little bit naughty. Patchouli, bourbon and deep, lingering warmth make this a fragrance that shifts effortlessly from day to night. The gift box and cheeky card seal the deal. Lazy gift? Maybe. Brilliant gift? Absolutely.
Get it here

KIKO Limited Edition Flirt Alert Heartstopper Shiny Lipstick, £22

Creamy, glossy and scented with cherry, this is pure Valentine energy in lipstick form. Shades range from everyday nudes to statement reds, and the formula feels rich without being heavy. Plus, the kiss-covered bullet is almost too cute to use. Almost.
Get it here

Neal’s Yard Remedies Vegan Wild Rose Beauty Balm, £43

A cult classic, now vegan. This multi-purpose balm cleanses, hydrates and boosts radiance in one simple step. We love it for dry patches, glow days and that gorgeous wild rose scent. One of those products you’ll keep reaching for.
Get it here

bareMinerals GEN NUDE Blonzer Blush + Bronzer, £27.50

A clever hybrid that gives skin a soft, rosy warmth, like a natural flush rather than full-on bronzer. Buildable, easy to blend and flattering on everyone. A grown-up upgrade from the bronzers we lived in back in the day, and we’re very into it.
Get it here

Marc Jacobs x Murakami Eau de Parfum, 50ml, from £90

A joyful reimagining of a classic, with Murakami’s iconic flowers decorating the Daisy bottle in vibrant colourways. The scent itself is creamy coconut, soft white peony and sweet praline, pretty, playful and very wearable. A collector’s piece that also smells lovely.

The pink, green and yellow will be available at Selfridges from 28 Jan, and will then launch on 25 Feb nationwide alongside the blue fragrance, but this one will remain exclusive to Boots. Shop Marc Jacobs other products here.

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The post Last minute Valentine gifts for her appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Over a roast in the local pub last Sunday I found myself literally gritting my teeth in frustration. One girlfriend told me that she only flosses twice a week. Another merrily confessed that she has an annual dentist appointment, but ‘sometimes I forget’! Oh, so funny. I, meanwhile, see the hygienist every three months, and the dentist twice a year. I brush and floss at least twice a day. Who has the best teeth of all? Guess. Not me.

I put this firmly down to menopause. Oral health symptoms are only too common at this time of life, and I seem to have most of them; dry mouth, shifting teeth, and less than optimal gum health (according to my hygienist).

I am obsessed with teeth. Absolutely obsessed. And never more so than now, aged 53, firmly postmenopausal and peering into my mouth like it’s a crime scene. As I say, I put most of this down to menopause, with a grumpy nod to the actual ageing process. Every part of the body is affected by oestrogen, or a lack of it, including the mouth.

Dr Sam Jethwa at Bespoke Smile (and the 19th president of British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry) tells me that many of his patients come to see him in their forties and fifties, baffled by the changes in their once-excellent teeth.

So what goes wrong, exactly?

Hormonal changes, he points out, can decrease salivary gland output, causing some women to experience a dry mouth. What’s more, saliva protects our mouth, so when there’s less of it, bacteria can breed faster and food debris is less likely to be washed away. This can lead to tooth decay, bad breath, infections and gum problems.

This last is – annoyingly for me – not just about mouth health. Develop periodontitis, or end-game gum disease, and not only might you lose teeth, but the associated inflammation can spread throughout the body and raise the risk of heart disease, diabetes and even Alzheimer’s. In spite of my efforts, every time I see the hygienist she patiently tells me how to brush my teeth. I am 53. Neither of us enjoys my visits.

Next up – shifting teeth, again linked to hormones. Bone loss in the jaw may decrease, leading to loose, or even lost, teeth. Anyone else have braces in their teens and think that meant you’d have good teeth for ever? Yeah, me too. And in the early nineties they didn’t give you a retainer. I had braces in my late thirties (for the second time) and in spite of wearing a nightly retainer, they are once again inching inwards.

And finally – teeth chip and stain, meaning they are now less than sparkling. You might find the trend for perfect white teeth annoying. Why should we have to bow down to societal pressure and exhausting standards? But it’s a fact that good teeth mean a comfortable mouth, easier eating (seriously – you don’t want to be stuck on soft foods) and are a good indication and impression of overall health. There’s no need to go full Hollywood smile by any means, but maintenance matters.

Read more: Why people lie about their tweakments to their other halves 

Thankfully, there are plenty of solutions

Sam recommends reducing alcohol and caffeine, which both dry the mouth. Try chewing sugar free gum, drinking plenty of fluids (though not alcohol and caffeine and rinsing with water after eating. So far, so obvious. As is flossing daily and brushing teeth twice a day – before breakfast and before bed.

I think that the strangest menopause mouth problem is what’s known as burning mouth

When it comes to cosmetics, Sam points out that a little can go a long way – veneers and composite bonding can help to both strengthen the teeth, and allow them to appear aesthetically pleasing.

I think that the strangest menopause mouth problem is what’s known as burning mouth – where it feels as though your mouth has been set on fire from the inside. Here, you might want to avoid toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulphate or SLS (this is what makes it foamy, but can also increase the burning), as well as swerving spicy foods and alcohol.

Here’s the good news. Sam says that there is a solution for almost every menopausal mouth problem. Teeth can be strengthened, straightened, whitened and – if necessary – replaced. Habits can be changed.

I second this. What I’ve learned in years of writing about the ageing mouth (so glam) is that the mouth is a constantly evolving story and it’s never too late for a happy ending.

Go on love, give us a smile!

Why not try….

TePe Hydrating Mouthwash, £8
Dentek Easy Brush Eco Friendly interdental brushes, £9.25 for 6 packs or £2.33 individual pack, boots.com 
Biotene Dry Mouth Toothpaste, £4.32
Whites Rose Gold Sonic Electric Toothbrush, £39.99

Alice Smellie

Alice Smellie is a journalist writing for many national publications, including Daily Mail, Telegraph, and Marie Claire, and is co-author of Cracking the Menopause and Menopause Is Hot: Everything You Need to Know to Thrive with Mariella Frostrup, and a co-founder of campaign group, Menopause Mandate. She lives in Somerset with her three children and two dogs.

The post What the hell has menopause done to my teeth? appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Age UK’s recent statistics show that over 1 million older people are spending Christmas day alone this year. More than 1 in 10 people (11%) will eat Christmas dinner alone, and 5% won’t see or speak to anyone the entire day.

It’s hard to be alone for the holidays, but there are ways to beat the loneliness. Here are a few of our suggestions on how to still make the most of the season.

Find local events

There are plenty of local events on at Christmas time to help communities connect and enjoy the holidays together. Local hubs, churches, libraries, pubs and more are often hosting festive events.

You could attend a Christmas dinner hosted at a local community hub, or a carol service at your local church. Or you could pop down to a nearby pub and see what events or live music are happening that day.

There are also charities designed to help communities come together to improve wellbeing and beat loneliness. Ramblers offers wellbeing walking groups, while Reengage have social groups for older folks looking to make new friends in their local area.

Chat online

If you’re able to reach family and friends online, video calls are a great way to stay connected when you’re apart. But for those who can’t, there are plenty of other ways to use our phones and the internet to connect with others.

Charities like The Silver Line (run by Age UK) offer support for people aged 55+ who are experiencing loneliness. You can give them a call, and they’ll happily chat with you, offering support and friendship in difficult times.

Whether you’re feeling down, or just want a quick chat, their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so there’s always someone to talk to.

Make Christmas day special, just for you

Some of us aren’t up for going out on Christmas, or maybe don’t have the means to do so. But that doesn’t mean Christmas can’t still be a special day.

Why not make a delicious Christmas dinner for one (or order your favourite takeaway), or put on your favourite film with a nice glass of wine. Dust off some of the things tucked away for a ‘special occasion’ and use them to make the day a little more special.

Try to reframe the day not as one where you’re stuck by yourself, but as a day dedicated to you. Whether it’s some nice food, a good book or just a cozy pyjama day in bed, make the most of it and do something special for yourself.

Make Christmas special for someone else

Volunteering is a great way to give back to others at Christmas. Local food banks, shelters and more are always looking for volunteers, especially during the cold winter months.

By volunteering, you can chat with fellow volunteers and those you’re helping, all while making a real difference to people’s lives. Consider spending Christmas morning dishing out food at your local soup kitchen, spreading warmth and joy to those who need it most.

Not only will you be helping those around you, but you’ll boost your own mood by seeing the positive impact of your work. It’s a truly rewarding way to spend the holidays.

For more information on finding local volunteering opportunities, click here.

Let yourself feel lonely

Keeping busy can be a great way to distract yourself from feeling lonely, but it can also be good to stop and take time to feel these feelings too.

Loneliness is something a lot of us will experience this Christmas. It’s important that we allow ourselves to feel this loneliness, to take control of it so that we can lessen the power it has over us, and continue with our lives. After all, if you shine the light on darkness, it disappears.

Accept that you feel lonely, take time to understand and process these feelings. And, when you’re ready, choose to carry on.

You can find support and advice on dealing with loneliness here.

Aiden Winn

Aiden is an editorial and production staffer at Title Media. He’s constantly looking for opportunities to have fun and get creative, whether it be art, baking, storytelling… you name it!

The post How to beat loneliness at Christmas appeared first on Silver Magazine.

…for me! Christmas shopping can feel like guesswork for some people (looking at your other half, ahem). This guide makes it easier. Think of it as a gentle nudge in the right direction. The kind you might casually forward, leave open on the laptop, or mention over a cup of tea. If you’re hoping someone else takes the hint, this is your shortlist. Consider it festive delegation at its finest.

Of course, it works just as well the other way round. If you’re buying for a partner, a friend, or yourself, this edit is about ideas that actually land. Thoughtful treats. Gifts that feel chosen, and not panicked. It’s in alphabetical order, just to be a bit crazy about things.

What would you circle? What would you send? And what would you quietly keep…!?

Aveda Full of Wonder Hair Thickening Gift Set, £55

This is a strong choice for anyone concerned about thinning or fragile hair. Powered by Aveda’s Invati Ultra Advanced system, the set focuses on scalp health, strengthening, and visible thickness, all without feeling heavy.

It includes exfoliating shampoo and conditioner, a revitalising scalp serum, and a fortifying leave-in treatment. The formulas target breakage-related hair fall and help hair look fuller over time. As ever with Aveda, the scent alone makes it feel like a treat.
Get it here

Babyliss Style Secret Air, £120

Salon-style blow dry without any effort? Yes please. Effortlessly create defined curls, soft beach waves, or a soft blow-dry look with this automatic curler and waver. Enjoy safe, easy styling with long-lasting results and a high-shine finish.
Visit the Babyliss store

Balmond Hold My Hand gift set, £27

Includes: Intensive Hand Cream 50ml + Skin Salvation 50ml. Designed for hard-working hands, Hold My Hand combines Balmonds’ iconic, multi-purpose Skin Salvation balm with the beautifully rich Intensive Hand Cream, made with sea buckthorn and shea butter. Perfect for gardeners, crafters and anyone whose hands need deep replenishment during the colder months.
Get it here

Benefit Glam a Grams 5-piece makeup set, £52.50

Full-size brow wax, volumizing mascara, and tint plus mini primer and fun-size cleansing oil. Perfect gift for the Benefit fan, this VFM set contains at least two hero products. There’s Fluff Up Brow Wax, BADgal BANG! Mascara, the famous Benetint lip and cheek stain, and The POREfessional primer.
Benefit store

Champneys Slumber collection, £20

Want to feel like you’re at the spa without leaving the house?! Great value little set here, specially formulated with essentials oils, and a relaxing fragrance of organic lavender to help you relax before bedtime, this set is relaxation in a box. Inside you’ll find bath salts, an overnight facial balm, a mood mist, a supplement blend, and a satin eye mask. It’s a thoughtful gift for anyone who struggles to switch off at night.
Champneys store

Chanel Pouch Set, £162

Luscious lips and luxurious scent – what more does a girl need on the run? This lush set from Chanel includes Coco Mademoiselle Eau De Parfum, 50ml, and Rouge Coco Baume 918 My Rose lip colour. A fragrance with a sensual trail has been paired with a tinted lip balm that offers a naturally luminous finish, revealing a sophisticated look. The selection is presented in a travel-friendly pouch. Comp treats at checkout too.
Get it here

Dermalogica warmth of the winter sun gift set, £65

We know it’s winter. Less light, cold wind, dry skin… but hope is at hand! This handy little kit includes some travel size versions of Dermalogica’s faves: Daily Microfoliant (13g), Biolumin-C Serum (10ml), and Heat Ageing Protector Moisturiser (15ml). A yummy kit for Dermalogica fans.
Get it here

Dermaworks Complete Anti-Ageing Transformation Kit, £66.40

Whilst we aren’t huge fans of the term ‘anti-ageing’ we do love skincare that support mature skin as you age. Featuring luxury cleansing cloths, three powerful serums (hyaluronic acid, retinol, and Vitamin C versions), and a hydrating moisturiser, this set covers pretty much everything you need to boost skin health and vitality. Eco-friendly, cruelty-free, reusable, and gentle for all skin types.
Dermaworks store

Eco Warrior Total Works set, £28

A fabulous gift for someone who has ethics at the heart of their beauty habits. This top to toe collection of bars includes face, hair, body, scrub, shaving… all in a neat little tower.

The formulas are plant-based, vegan, cruelty-free, and made with a high percentage of naturally derived ingredients. Everything is biodegradable, including the packaging, which makes this an easy win for low-waste gifting.
Get it here

Glow For It Ultimate Christmas Bundle, £90

This is exceptionally good value, with the contents adding up to an eye-watering value of £256.50. The Ultimate Christmas Bundle brings together everything in one show-stopping bundle. Includes Lash Serum + Brow Serum Christmas Cracker, Recharge + Grow Edit limited-edition lash growth set, Mini Lash + Brow Serum Duo, Lip Oil Trio (Original, Peach, Watermelon) … for full contents details check the listing.
Get it here

Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey EDT gift set, £108

Lovely set for fans: Issey Miyake’s exclusive set, designed in collaboration with Philippe Apeloig. The set contains an eau de toilette (100ml), moisturising body lotion (50ml), and a 10ml EDT purse spray (handbag, to us here in the UK). Fab for those who love this famous floral fragrance, with notes of white lily and lotus.
Get it here

Jimmy Choo I Want Choo gift set, £81

If you know this fragrance, you know. And this is a great little set that includes a parfum spray (60ml) and body lotion (100ml). This amber floral woody fragrance hits you with vibrant notes of pear and golden gardenia. The middle notes combine a creamy, warm heart with sweet jasmine, irresistible patchouli, and ambrette. The glamorous base notes, blending with moss, amber, sandalwood, and praline accord, give the creation a long-lasting trail. It’s like Christmas in a bottle.
Get it here

Leighton Denny Multidimensional Nail Varnish Set, £22.50

A festive-feeling trio with serious polish credentials. This metallic collection plays with light and depth, delivering colours that feel grown-up but still special enough for party season.

Glow is a khaki-taupe metallic with pink shimmer. Blaze is a warm terracotta with an emerald shift. Dazzle is a luminous bronze chrome with a molten finish. All are vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated for long-lasting wear with a high-gloss finish.
Get them here

LUSH set – Little Snow Fairy, £12.50

Excellent stocking filler limited edition set from Lush. This Little Snow Fairy set embodies the phrase ‘small but mighty’ with its magical ability to fill a bathroom with the iconic scent of bubblegum and Persian lime. Get ready to be transported to a land of candy floss sweet bubbles and pink glittery waters with this bathing duo!
Get it here

Memoize perfume gift set II, £49

What a lovely gift set. This small size sampler type set has a range of four really lovely perfumes – we particularly love the Luxuria, and the Rose Luxuria, both of which lean musky, with vanilla tones, the latter having a citrus top note and rose middle. All phials are 7.5ml, and although Memoize is a gender-free brand, this collection is decidedly feminine.
Get it here

Mylee Gel Wraps, £13.99 each

If you want spanking new nails with very little effort, no trip to the salon, and no messing about with LED lights, these are for you. The UK’s first wraps of their kind, delivering high-shine, chip-resistant wear for up to 14 days, with no curing time required.  Application is quick, gentle and easy, simply prep, press, and file for a pro-level finish in minutes.
www.mylee.co.uk, Amazon, Boots, LookFantastic, ASOS, Sephora, Very etc.

Olaplex Full-On Shine Hair Gift Set, £58

This is one for those with fine or damaged hair. This is a six-step treatment kit, limited edition set with Hair Perfector, Shampoo and Conditioner, Scalp Treatment, Bond Smoother, and Bonding Oil for shiny, smooth, stronger hair. Salon results at home? We love it.
Get it here

Silver Skincare Pro-Ageing range, from £18

Obviously we’re going to be recommending our own pro-ageing skincare products. Natural, luxurious, 100% cruelty-free products that put a smile on your face, whilst keeping your conscience clean. Created by mature people who understand the challenges we face as we experience changes to our skin and body. Our heroes are the Stem Cell Regenerator Serum, the Collagen Face Cream, and the Collagen Eye Gel.
See the full range

TempleSpa Do Not Disturb gift set £55

This is all about switching off. Designed to recreate a spa experience at home, the Do Not Disturb collection combines TempleSpa’s signature calming scents with products made for deep relaxation. The set includes bath and body essentials, a pillow spray, and skincare for winding down at night. Bought separately it would cost considerably more (£95), which makes this a generous and indulgent gift, whether you’re giving it or keeping it.
Get it here

The Byron Vibe, £44.95

Before you point out that this isn’t a beauty set, let’s just remember what health benefits there are to be found in having orgasms, okay!? Get yourself a full-body glow-up with this vibe which mimics oral simulation. Water resistant, 10 speeds (ye gods!), fully chargeable. You’ll never leave the house again.
Get it here

The Silke 24/7 Set, £92

Round-the-clock care, done properly! Available in Black & White, Caramel, and Poppy, the Silke 24/7 Set is a beautifully considered ritual for hair and skin. Inside the set you’ll find a silk pillowcase, a large scrunchie, and a silk hair tie. Simple pieces, done exceptionally well, and a genuinely useful luxury gift for anyone who takes their hair care seriously. Each piece is made from 100 per cent pure mulberry silk, chosen to reduce friction, lock in moisture, and help minimise breakage.
Get it here

Weleda Skin Food The Glow Up Gift Set, £24

A great introduction to Weleda’s cult Skin Food range, or a reliable favourite for anyone already hooked. This trio of naturally nourishing products is designed to revive dry, dull skin from head to toe, using Skin Food’s signature blend of soothing botanicals.
The set includes Skin Food Ultra-Light Dry Oil, Skin Food Cream, and Skin Food Lip Balm. It’s practical, well-priced, and ideal for winter skin that needs a bit of extra help.
Visit the Weleda Store

ZIIP Halo All In One Microcurrent Facial Device, £379.99

We tried this with a Golden Gel (£119.99) and the results were very promising indeed. ZIIP HALO is a very clever all-in-one skin-boosting bit of kit. This app-connected microcurrent facial device transforms your skin through personalised electrical currents. With just one tap in the ZIIP app, each treatment targets exactly what your skin needs – so you can lift, tighten, brighten and more – all with one device. Effective for wrinkles, skin sagging, acne etc. Endorsed by a long list of celebs, we could see the difference after just one sesh.
Get it here

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The post All I want for Christmas is… appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Imagine this: it’s mid-afternoon and you’re in a café. You’re trying to connect your laptop to the café’s broadband when suddenly the world tilts. Not the actual world – just your own inner world.

A text pings on to your phone – simple words, a short message… but you can’t comprehend it. You see the words and letters, they look familiar, but you can’t read them. Your laptop refuses to do what it’s supposed to. You look at the keys; they might as well be hieroglyphics.

As you pack up your stuff and try to say goodbye to the waitress who’d brought you your coffee just ten minutes earlier, no words come out. Panic rises, hands go clammy, your whole body breaks out in a sweat: it’s just the coffee, you tell yourself. It’s just deadline anxiety. But you know in your rapidly beating heart it’s neither…

So what was wrong with me?

Apart from the panic, I felt OK. But I knew something was very wrong. It’s nothing dramatic, it’s just odd. A quiet, insidious shutdown, my brain protesting… overload.

This was my reality one ordinary Thursday. The sudden onset of what initially appeared to be a transient ischemic attack (TIA) – a “mini-stroke”.

Fortunately, I got to A&E in time to avert disaster and swerve a full-on stroke. I was given emergency intravenous medications to lower my blood pressure. I was in hospital for three days but when I got home I started to wonder how many people actually suffer from TIAs, strokes or near-misses like me, and how many change as a result of that experience.

After posting about my experience on social media, I discovered that a lot of people had been through similar and many through much worse. Some don’t survive and some struggle to recover, but the vast majority bounce back.

Although it can be extremely tough at the time, most stroke-sufferers I’ve now spoken to say a TIA or stroke doesn’t have to signal the end. Far from it. It can be the fierce, unyielding catalyst for reinvention, a neurological nudge toward a life more aligned, more valued, more YOURS.

How a catastrophic event can reshape your future

In the UK, where around 100,000 strokes occur annually, the narrative often fixates on loss, the physical hurdles, the emotional toll. Yet emerging research paints a more hopeful portrait, one where survivors not only endure, but evolve psychologically in ways that enrich their lives.

A groundbreaking meta ethnography by UK researchers at the University of Salford synthesised patient experiences from multiple studies, revealing how stroke rehabilitation fosters a profound “evolution of identity.” Drawing from 13 international trials, it highlights how positive psycho-social shifts, bolstered by hope, robust social support and enhanced self-efficacy, can reshape survivors’ sense of self over time.

Staff encouragement and community networks play pivotal roles, turning vulnerability into strength. Participants described reclaiming autonomy, reconciling their pre- and post-stroke identities, and emerging with renewed purpose. Not despite the event, but because of it.

Read more: How dance therapy can improve stroke recovery

This isn’t isolated optimism

A 2023 systematic review in the International Journal of Nursing Studies, involving 60 global studies (many UK-led), identified 39 post-event treatments that demonstrably improved psychosocial well-being post-stroke. These included dialogue-based therapies and narrative approaches, which help survivors reframe their stories, reducing anxiety and isolation while focusing on resilience.

UK guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) echo this, recommending tailored psychological therapies that yield moderate-to-large reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms. The results are encouraging with up to 50% reliable recovery rates in some cohorts.

…dialogue-based therapies and narrative approaches, which help survivors reframe their stories, reduce anxiety and isolation

One feasibility study from Akershus University Hospital tested a guided self-determination intervention, where stroke survivors reported feeling “enriched” by sharing their experiences, gaining emotional tools to navigate distress and foster long-term coping.

Even in chronic phases, the Oxford Chronic Stroke Project (OX-CHRONIC), a UK longitudinal study, underscores that while challenges like fatigue persist, targeted support stabilises mood and boosts quality of life. With many survivors prioritising – and achieving – psychological recovery years later.

A joined-up approach to recovery

The Stroke Association’s approach to rehab includes a push for integrated care that addresses the “hidden” effects of stroke survival. These include mood swings, eroded confidence, feelings of despair – and encourages patients not to see them as permanent scars, but as potential points for growth.

Psychological interventions, from cognitive behavioural therapy to self-help relaxation, outperform the results from simply taking medications alone when managing symptoms, encouraging survivors to cultivate adaptive mindsets: acceptance, self-esteem and even positive affect that reignites social participation.

In essence, a stroke can rewire not just the brain’s circuits, but reset its compass – pointing toward more positive changes.

My own story – despite it not involving a full-on TIA or stroke – bears this out. A personal testament to how crisis can clarify. For me, after the initial panic and confusion, it felt as if a tangled overgrown pathway had been cleared. I can’t speak for victims of serious stroke, but I can speak as someone who teetered on the edge of that for a few days and whose experience is therefore somewhat piqued interest in the subject.

That Thursday, disoriented and silent, I stumbled home, my pulse thundering in my ears

I called my daughter and she suggested I check my blood pressure. It was perilously high. By the time I got to A&E, it was 240/180.

I was kept in the resuscitation bay and given emergency IV drugs. I had a CT scan, blood tests and eye exams mapping the unseen threats. And I was kept in ‘Resus’ overnight, monitors beeping, then wheeled to a ward as the meds wrestled my blood pressure down until it then hit a way-too-low 90/70. Another night of watchful waiting and, by the following evening, my BP stabilised. The days that followed are blurred by exhaustion; was it the sleepless nights at the hospital that wore me out? Or the side effects of the drugs?

Yet, piercing that haze, I sensed a shift. The hospital staff – charming, kind, unflaggingly professional – left me grateful, cheered up by their humanity and empathy. I felt elated and relieved, but this was no near-death epiphany. (I’ve danced with that spectre before and emerged unchanged.) No, this was more subtle, a brain-level recalibration, as if neurons had huddled in conference and taken a vote.

It was time to take action!

For many gruelling years, I’d poured my energy into others’ lives. Caring not just for family and friends but also (through my work as a journalist and filmmaker) extending lifelines to strangers. I penned articles, produced films, guested on podcasts, hosted a chat show. Often without payment, a compulsion born of a desire to help, without considering the toll this might take.

I knew working that way was unwise, but I naively believed that everything would work out fine in the end. Perhaps foolishly I believed in karma (not so much anymore) and was certain that kindness was always repaid. If I was generous with my time and energy, all would be well. What an idiot I was! Taking that route cost me dearly: my home sold under duress, confidence shattered, the will to go on flickering dangerously low on dark nights.

The near-miss TIA didn’t just threaten my life; it illuminated all the dark corners and shone a light on my own personal ledger book. Something in my brain – stressed to malfunction – whispered “You are worth more.”

I suddenly had an overwhelming sense of purpose and self-worth, a fierce determination to reclaim the reins. No more diffusion of my gifts into the void. I’m done with the gratis grind. No More Mrs Nice Guy! I know now that I must charge for my words, my vision, my value. Articles, films, shows, books – all now fenced with fair boundaries and proper pricing. It’s not bitterness, it’s not bigheadedness – it’s liberation. That brain blip powered up a woman who now knows her efforts demand equity, her light deserves reward.

In terms of avoiding this happening again…

I don’t like taking pharmaceutical meds, but the docs stressed that I was in an emergency situation. And after giving me IV ACE inhibitor Ramipril, they recommended I continue on it in pill form. I’ve been taking it now for six weeks and my BP is still high. Today’s reading is 194/117.

I’m having a device fitted to my arm for 24 hours in two weeks’ time which will take hourly readings, so they can get to the bottom of what’s causing the problem. In the meantime, I’ve cut out alcohol and wheat, and I’m also trying to cut out sugar.

I think perhaps the cause is not enough exercise – working on that – and maybe a lack of physical affection. After being in end-to-end relationships for over 40 years, I suddenly decided to go it alone five years ago. It’s benefited me in many ways, but has it affected my blood pressure? Who knows?

I’ve had every medical test under the sun now and one doctor commented that I might be one of those people who just naturally has high blood pressure. Others have said it could be hereditary and untreatable. (My parents both had high BP.)

For now, it’s a bit of a mystery but hopefully what happened five weeks ago won’t happen again. Just not sure how to make sure it doesn’t though.

A stroke – or a brush with one – may arrive unbidden…

But it needn’t steal your future. As those UK studies affirm, with support and intention, it can illuminate paths to psychological flourishing.

Stronger identities, resilient coping, lives laced with deeper meaning. My café blackout was no elegy; it was a stepping stone to this new bold chapter.

The world didn’t end that afternoon – and, oddly, the fact that it could have done wasn’t the point: it began anew. And, although no one is happy to endure such misfortune, like all my adversities, I feel privileged to have glimpsed into that world, lived to tell my tale and to feel stronger as a person because of it.

Have you experienced something similar? Let us know in the comments below.

Jacqui Deevoy

Jacqui Deevoy has been a freelance journalist for over three decades, starting out on teenage magazines, then later working for women’s magazines worldwide, and national newspapers including the Daily Mail, the Mirror, Express and Telegraph. These days, as well as writing for magazines, papers and websites, she produces documentaries and hosts a Monday night talk show for Unprecedented TV.

The post How nearly having a stroke changed my life appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Long hours at a desk or on a computer without taking the appropriate precautions are bound to leave your neck and shoulders tense and sore. Poor posture, stress, and repetitive movements all add to the strain, often leading to chronic discomfort that affects comfort, focus and productivity.

But now you don’t have to live with that constant tightness or stiffness. Read our guide until the end to learn proven physiotherapy tips that’ll help you ease shoulder and neck pain, and help you move more freely at work.

Understand the root of your pain

Work-related shoulder and neck pain usually comes from muscle imbalances and poor ergonomics. When you sit hunched over, your neck muscles stay tight while your shoulder and upper back muscles relax, and thus, weaken. Over time, this imbalance leads to tension, stiffness, and even headaches.

A physiotherapist can identify which muscles are overworked or underactive. At professional physio clinics like One Body LDN, you’ll get a detailed assessment and a personalised plan that focuses on correcting posture, strengthening weak areas, and improving joint mobility.

Correct your desk setup

Your workspace has a huge impact on your physical comfort. If your screen is too low or your chair too high, your neck and shoulders will bear the load. Adjust your desk so that:

• Your monitor is at eye level
• Your elbows rest at a 90-degree angle
• Your feet are flat on the floor or on a footrest

Even small adjustments can reduce pressure on your spine and muscles. Changing your setup helps your body maintain natural alignment throughout the day, and reduces fatigue.

Move regularly during the day

Sitting still for hours will inevitably tighten your neck and shoulder muscles. So try to move every 30 to 45 minutes. Stand up, roll your shoulders, and stretch your neck gently from side to side. These short breaks help maintain blood flow and reduce stiffness throughout your whole body.

In addition, simple exercises like shoulder blade squeezes or chin tucks can work wonders. They keep your posture strong and your muscles active, preventing discomfort before it builds up.

Strengthen and stretch key muscles

Physiotherapists recommend balancing strength and flexibility around your shoulders and neck. Strengthening your upper back muscles helps you sit upright, while gentle stretching releases tension in your neck and chest.

For instance, performing a doorway chest stretch or gentle neck rotations throughout the day can ease strain on these overworked muscles and tendons. Over time, these exercises train your body to hold a healthier posture even when you’re fully focused on work.

Manage stress and tension

Mental stress often shows up physically as neck and shoulder pain. When you’re tense, your muscles tighten, quietly worsening your pain. That’s why it’s important to keep in mind that breathing exercises, mindfulness, or quick stretches during work breaks can help your body relax.

If pain persists, targeted treatments like deep tissue massage or dry needling can help release stubborn knots and restore mobility. Physiotherapy doesn’t just treat pain, it helps prevent it from returning.

Staying pain-free and productive

Your work shouldn’t come at the expense of your health. By improving posture, adding movement breaks, and getting professional physiotherapy guidance, you can stay pain-free and perform at your best every day. Healthy habits built now will keep your body strong, flexible, and comfortable for years to come.

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But this humble root vegetable deserves more credit. Packed with nutrients, endlessly versatile in the kitchen, and grown right here in the UK all year round, carrots are one of the country’s quiet food heroes. But rather than just boil them for your weekly roast, we’ve looked at some of the best ways to cook carrots. And delved into their health benefits.

A homegrown success story

Nearly all the carrots on British plates are grown locally, with UK farmers producing over 700,000 tonnes every year. That’s around 100 carrots for every single person in the country. They’re harvested throughout the seasons, starting in the south and moving northwards. Meaning fresh carrots are always available.

Each one costs just a few pence, but together they’re worth almost £300 million to the UK economy. From field to shop in just a couple of days, with minimal food miles, they’re a sustainable choice too.

Read more: how to eat more sustainably

The health boost inside every bite

Nutritionist Dr Laura Wyness points out that the standout nutrient in carrots is beta-carotene, which gives them their bright orange colour. Our bodies convert beta-carotene into Vitamin A – essential for vision, healthy skin, and a strong immune system.

Carrots are also full of fibre, something most of us lack in our diets. One medium carrot contains around 2g, edging you closer to the recommended 30g daily intake. On top of this, carrots are low in calories, naturally sweet, and 80% water, making them a refreshing and filling snack. Compared to a banana, a carrot has over 50% fewer calories and sugars, yet delivers far more Vitamin A.

Chewing raw carrots can even help with oral health by stimulating saliva. This reduces harmful bacteria, while the crunchy texture helps break down plaque.

Spicy carrot soup

Ideas for new ways to cook and enjoy them

Carrots are cheap, colourful, and incredibly adaptable. They can be roasted, mashed, grilled, grated, spiralised, juiced, or baked. And they come in more than just orange – purple, yellow, pink, and stripy varieties can make your dishes stand out.

Try these easy ideas:

• Roast with honey and cumin for a sweet-spiced side.
• Toss carrot ribbons into salads or stir fries.
• Grill whole carrots, then serve with mascarpone and toasted nuts.
• Blitz the green tops into a bright, punchy pesto.
• Grate with apple and raisins for a fresh coleslaw.
• Bake into cakes, muffins, flapjacks, or even ice cream.

Carrots also work beautifully at every meal. Think overnight carrot cake oats for breakfast, a crisp carrot salad at lunch, and sticky roasted carrots with balsamic glaze for dinner.

Roasted whole with honey drizzle

Farmers behind the crunch

It takes more skill and technology to grow carrots than many realise. Fields are rotated to keep crops healthy, frost is warded off with straw, and GPS-guided tractors sow seeds in perfectly straight lines. Robots even help with weeding and sorting. Today’s carrots contain 50% more carotene than those grown in the 1970s, thanks to careful breeding and soil management.

Will Hunter, a fourth-generation farmer from Lancashire, says: “We are very proud of what we grow and want to show the skill and care that goes into producing something as ‘simple’ as a carrot. If every household ate just a few more, it would make a huge difference to British farming.”

A vegetable worth celebrating

Affordable, nutritious, and sustainable, carrots prove that sometimes the simplest foods are the most powerful. Whether you crunch them raw, roast them golden, or bake them into something sweet, they bring colour and goodness to your plate.

So next time you shop, add an extra bag. Britain’s farmers, and your body, will thank you.

Carrot factoids

1. Britain produces over 700,000 tonnes of carrots each year – that’s the weight of 70 Eiffel Towers – around 100 each for every member of the population
2. Carrots are harvested all year round so they are always fresh from the field starting earlier in the year with southern regions and moving up the country from Kent to the north of Scotland.
3. The first recorded carrots weren’t orange – believed to have originated in Afghanistan in 7^th Century AD – carrots were purple or yellow, with orange developed in the 16th century in Holland.
4. To keep them cosy over winter and free from frost, carrots are covered with beds of straw
5. Carrots like fresh soil and a new place to grow each year. To protect them from disease, carrots can only be grown in the same field once every seven years, so farmers ‘rotate’ them around their farm
6. A love medicine: The Greeks called the carrot “Philtron” and used it as a love medicine
7. Carrots like sandy soils, growing wonky if the land is stony.
8. A lot of research, innovation and technology goes into growing the best carrots in the UK, from making sure the seed grows well in the soils we have, to improve nutrient value – today’s carrots have 50% more carotene that those of 1970 – and to make sure they last well on shop shelves. GPS is used in tractors to plant the carrots perfectly straight lines and robots are used for weeding and sorting
9. Carrots are worth £290 million to the UK economy – but one of the cheapest veg to buy

www.britishcarrots.co.uk

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In my youth, consciously feeling gratitude was as foreign to me as a far-off galaxy. I was too busy living to pause and really appreciate what I had. If you’d told teenage me that gratitude could transform my health, I wouldn’t have paid much attention.

Despite my mum – who worked all her adult life in mental health – telling me that the mind, body and soul were all linked. And despite me being pretty ‘up’ on all things spiritual, I never once stopped to consider the power of “vitamin G”.

Now, older and humbled by life’s unexpected twists and turns, I’ve come to see gratitude as my daily dose of something we all need. Through personal experience and a deep dive into the science, I’ve learned that gratitude isn’t just a feel-good buzzword. It’s a scientifically backed elixir for overall health and well-being.

I was saying thanks – but did I mean it?

As a child, I was a bit of a whinger. There were many things I didn’t like. Getting up in the morning, milk, most food, going to bed, school… Smells, tastes, textures, certain music all upset me. My mood could go from happy to tearful in a matter of seconds, and small problems could easily sour a happy mood or pleasant day. I had been taught how to say thank you, but I never actually felt gratitude when I said it.

What I didn’t realise as a young person was that this sort of passive negativity was actually poisoning me

To me, being grateful involves a degree of positive outpouring, something I wasn’t very good at. I’ve always found saying thank you difficult. I can give compliments, no problem. Somehow that feels different. But being truly, from-the-heart grateful has never been easy. Did I see it as a weakness? It certainly didn’t sit comfortably with me and, even now, as an adult, I wrestle with it.

What I didn’t realise as a young person was that this sort of passive negativity was actually poisoning me. My stress levels have always been sky-high, I was hyper, my behaviour unpredictable, my sleep erratic.

I carried tension like a second skin. I used to joke that I didn’t need to work out as my muscles were permanently tense. It wasn’t until recently, during a rough patch, when a friend gave me a gratitude journal as a gift and challenged me to write three things I was thankful for each day, that I recognised how life-changing being grateful could be. What started as a half-hearted exercise soon became a lifeline and science explains why.

How does gratitude work? The science…

At first, my journal entries were uninspired. “Thanks for having food to eat, for my nice hair, my comfy bed…” But, over the weeks, I began noticing the really small stuff: the warmth of a sunny morning, a stranger’s smile, the blast of a song I liked from a passing car. I felt lighter, less anxious. My sleep improved, and I even caught myself smiling more.

A 2003 study by Emmons and McCullough found that people who kept gratitude journals reported higher life satisfaction and lower stress, with cortisol levels dropping by up to 23%.

When I made an effort to be more grateful, and to express my gratitude out loud, and more often, everything changed. Being stuck in traffic didn’t bother me like it used to; instead of fuming, I’d remind myself how lucky I was to have a car. Losing work wasn’t a problem; I was thankful for the work I already had and would be able to get in the future. Relationships ending didn’t devastate me the way it once did; I was grateful for the lessons I learned from them and pleased I was free to move on.

A 2010 study in Psychological Science found that gratitude enhances emotional resilience, helping people recover faster from stress and, once I understood this, I worked harder on my daily feelings of gratitude. I soon noticed that feeling grateful on a regular basis rewired my response to life’s little annoyances.

Aaron Burden / Unsplash

The science goes deeper

Gratitude boosts the brain’s feel-good chemicals, dopamine and serotonin. This explains why my mood could be lifted even when life wasn’t going swimmingly. In one experiment, participants who wrote gratitude letters showed increased activity in the brain’s reward centres, effects that lasted months.

For me, jotting down thanks for a friend laughing at one of my corny jokes or for an especially tasty meal became a daily dopamine hit, making the world feel less heavy. A 2019 study from University College London explored this further, revealing that gratitude practices, such as daily reflection on positive events, increased serotonin levels in the brain by up to 18%.

Practising gratitude has also transformed my relationships. In my youth, I took people for granted; my parents’ support, friends’ loyalty… I was too self-absorbed to say thank you with intention. Now, I make a point of expressing appreciation, whether it’s a quick text to a work colleague or a heartfelt message in a (real!) card to a loved one.

Physically, ‘Vitamin G’ has been a game-changer

I used to battle insomnia, my mind racing with worries. But gratitude quietens the noise. Now, I end my day listing three things I’m thankful for. A cosy blanket, a good book, a kind word… and it lulls my brain into rest.

Another study linked gratitude to lower blood pressure and better immune function, suggesting my body was reaping rewards beyond my improved sleep. Even my heart health might be getting a boost.

…gratitude reduces stress, boosts mood, strengthens relationships, improves sleep and supports physical health

When I reflect on what I’m thankful for, I can almost feel my body relax and my breathing slow down. Looking back, I wish I’d embraced Vitamin G sooner. It’s not about ignoring life’s challenges or faking positivity. It’s about spotting the good amid the mess.

The science is clear: gratitude reduces stress, boosts mood, strengthens relationships, improves sleep and supports physical health. I intend to make feeling, really feeling grateful a daily ritual in the hope that it’ll make my day easier and my moving through the world smoother.

If I can become a gratitude convert, anyone can. So, take a dose of Vitamin G today. It’s free, it’s powerful and it might just be the healthiest habit you’ll ever pick up!

Jacqui Deevoy

Jacqui Deevoy has been a freelance journalist for over three decades, starting out on teenage magazines, then later working for women’s magazines worldwide, and national newspapers including the Daily Mail, the Mirror, Express and Telegraph. These days, as well as writing for magazines, papers and websites, she produces documentaries and hosts a Monday night talk show for Unprecedented TV.

The post The scientific health benefits of feeling gratitude appeared first on Silver Magazine.

As we get older, our eyes naturally change. Night vision often declines, glare from headlights becomes more of a problem, and focusing on different distances takes longer. These shifts can creep up gradually, but they have a big impact on how confident and safe you feel behind the wheel. Clear vision isn’t just a comfort, it’s the basis of every safe journey.

The fact is, if your vision isn’t up to scratch, all the speed limits, smart tech and airbags in the world won’t help to make you a safer driver.

It’s estimated that more than two million people in the UK are on the roads with vision that falls below the legal standard. A recent series of inquests revealed the very real human cost; a number of fatal collisions involving drivers with seriously impaired sight.

Remember the numberplate test?

Recently, a senior coroner called the current approach “ineffective”, particularly the number plate test that still exists in modern driving tests, and that so much still hangs on. The message delivered by the coroner was overwhelmingly clear: without reform, more avoidable deaths will follow.

In good daylight you must be able to read a modern number plate from 20 metres and meet a minimum visual acuity of 0.5 (6/12) with both eyes (or one in specific, typically medical cases). Whether you’re spotting a hazard, identifying a vehicle in traffic, or admiring personalised number plates, the ability to read them clearly is non-negotiable.

This might seem sensible on the surface, but critics argue that with advancements in modern technologies, relying on self-declaration and a kerbside reading test is an ineffective measure of one’s eyesight. In fairness, they may have a point.

What does declining vision actually feel like?

More often than not, worsening vision isn’t something you’ll immediately notice. Rather, it sneaks up on you. Astigmatism can smear headlights and streetlamps until they sprout starbursts and streaks. Signs become that bit harder to pick out in the wet, and lane lines seem to shimmer.

Cataracts add halos and glare that makes night driving feel like staring into a floodlight. Glaucoma trims away your peripheral vision, so a cyclist or pedestrian can slip into a blind spot at precisely the wrong moment.

And of course, a general decline in eyesight tends to make vision less defined. Think about the difference between standard definition and 4K – it’s not entirely dissimilar to that.

These aren’t rare edge cases; they’re everyday conditions with very real consequences once the sun goes down.

There’s also a growing frustration among motorists about dazzling headlights

Surveys over the past couple of years suggest the vast majority of drivers have struggled with glare. One RAC study reported more than four in five surveyed saying the problem is getting worse, while government-backed research into headlight impact is now under way. The AA has found similar worries among its members, with many pointing the finger at certain LED setups.

Whether it’s brightness, aim, or contrast with darker roads, the effect is the same: your eyes are working harder to see the roads, meaning that any underlying issue is also being increased in impact.

Read more: “Help – I’m trapped in a sexless marriage”

Mandatory eye tests are being considered for older drivers

Understandably, public debate is lively around the topic; plenty of drivers see this as a step in the right direction. But there are those who worry about fairness and where the line should be drawn. The Association of Optometrists, backed by the College of Optometrists, want to take this further. They’re arguing for full sight tests when you first get your licence, vision checks at each ten-year renewal for most drivers, and more frequent checks, every three years, for those over 70. But it may take some time for this debate to reach a conclusion and for policies to change.

So what can you do in the meantime?

Start by booking an eye test if it’s been a while. One every two years minimum is a good rule of thumb, sooner if something feels off. If night drives have become hazy or headlights leave you dazzled, don’t tough it out; that’s your cue to get checked.

Keep your windscreen and headlamps spotless, consider an anti-reflection coating if you wear specs, and be honest with yourself about long night journeys until your vision is sorted. As for those yellow-tinted “night driving” glasses that pop up online…be wary. They can reduce the overall light reaching your eye, not just the headlight glare. Not really something you want after dark.

Make your eye health checks as frequent as checking your tyre pressure or topping up the washer fluid. Book an eye test – and remind your friends and family to do the same. Forming this small habit now could pay off for years.

In the end, it comes down to something simple. Clearer vision means clearer judgement, faster reactions and fewer nasty surprises. We talk a lot about making our roads safer; this is one area where the fix is refreshingly straightforward. See better, drive better, and help everyone get home in one piece.

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