Let’s Talk… 50+

Sarah Atkins talks to Phil about the importance of true food labelling. About 56% of people with food allergies have had an allergic reaction because of mislabelled or unclear food packaging, with nearly a quarter (23%) suffering multiple reactions, according to data from GS1 UK, the not-for-profit organisation behind the barcode, which reveals this could be down to dangerous food labelling practices in the UK. Examples include unclear and inaccurate labelling, ambiguous phrases like ‘may contain nuts’ and a worrying lack of legislation.

With roughly 20% of the UK population suffering from food intolerances and more than 2 million people having food allergies, labels need to be clearer. Three in five (60%) of allergy sufferers rely on product packaging to access the relevant allergen information but only 24% always find the information they need. Aside from packaging and labels, many search online (38%), looking for product leaflets (20%), visiting a manufacturers website (20%) and asking someone in store (17%).

GS1 UK is currently piloting the next generation barcode – a fusion of the linear barcode and QR code – with brands in the UK and could soon be scanned at the point of check-out across the UK by 2027. It means for the first-time shoppers can scan a GS1 powered QR code using their smartphones which can show them that products unique identity, revealing an endless stream of data which writing on the back of packaging cannot. The pilot comes as 43% of allergy sufferers say that they would prefer to access food product information by scanning packaging with their smartphone with them 2.5 times more likely than non-allergy sufferers to have their purchasing decisions influenced by the availability of detailed product information via a QR code – 64% already use their smartphone to scan packaging that features a QR code.

Team GB Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes wants to get us moving more, and discusses with Phil the urgent need for increased awareness of the threat that physical inactivity plays to the nation’s health and wellbeing both in the short and long term.

While we are moving 18 minutes more per week than in 2022 - averaging 83 minutes of moderate exercise a week - almost 3 in 4 of us are still not reaching the NHS's recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week while a third have not dedicated any time to vigorous exercise in the past 12 months, according to healthcare charity Nuffield Health research which shows 53% of us cite a lack of motivation as the main barrier to us not pursuing more regular exercise with other barriers including misconceptions around what counts as exercise and the common belief that people living with injuries or long-term conditions should not be moving at all.

Physical inactivity is one of the key risk factors for developing long term conditions with 37% aware exercise can lower the risk of early death by up to 30% and 39% knowing exercise can reduce your risk of illness, including heart disease and cancer, by up to half. Worryingly, a fifth of us have done no exercise at all in the last 12 months and almost 4 in 5 (79%) fail to meet the recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week.

A legacy donation in your Will, helps charities continue to fund important work, long after you’ve gone. In this episode, Phil discusses the importance of remembering charities when updating our Wills.

Would you trust AI to book your next holiday? Apply for a job on your behalf? Write to your friends and family? Or how about posting to your social media accounts? Well, when it comes to our hard-earned money, it seems we would be happy to trust HAL 9000 with our savings, K.I.T.T with our investments, the T-1000 with our personal finances. Paddy Osbourne from London Academy of Trading explains why we should be cautious.

‘Rip Off Britain’ and ‘Strictly’ star Angela Rippon discussing heating costs, and how we can save money.

So, we know walking is great for our physical and mental wellbeing. Do you know where you can ramble safely? Rambling is something we should all do safely and regularly. Today, we look at rambling in more detail.

Ever wanted a career change? Ever wondered if you could work in the movies? It’s not as ‘pie in the sky’ as you might think. Holly Tarquini, a Director in TV documentary explains…..

The digital divide refers to the gap between individuals or communities who have access to and can effectively use technology, particularly the internet, and those who do not. This divide is primarily driven by socioeconomic factors, including income, education, and geographical location.

The digital divide has become increasingly important in today's digital age, as technology plays a crucial role in various aspects of life.

In developed countries, the digital divide is often characterized by disparities in internet access, with marginalized communities, rural areas, and low-income households being the most affected. These individuals may lack the necessary infrastructure, such as broadband connections or devices like computers or smartphones, to access the internet. As a result, they face barriers in accessing online educational resources, job opportunities and government services.

The consequences of the digital divide are far-reaching. It also hinders educational opportunities, and can lead to social isolation, as those without internet access are unable to connect with others, access information, or participate in online communities.

Efforts to bridge the digital divide include initiatives to expand internet infrastructure, provide affordable devices, and promote digital literacy and skills training. Governments, non-profit organizations, and private sector entities are working together to reduce this divide and ensure that everyone has equal opportunities to access and utilize technology. However, addressing the digital divide remains a complex challenge that requires collective action and long-term commitment to create a more inclusive and equitable digital society. Phil talk to Professor Green, on his goals to bridge the divide.

In this episode of ‘Let’s Talk… 50+’, we are delving into the weird and wonderful world of the common mushroom. The numerous health benefits will be discussed, along with some ideas to add them to our everyday dishes. Let’s talk…. MUSHROOMS!

Dr Beth A Livingstone joins Phil to discuss the lack of support for INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE with the LGBTQIA+ community. 32% of 1000 LGBTQIA+ respondents, have been the victim of IPV.