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Health Shopping: Everyday Health Products for Over-60s

Last checked November 2026. Offers and rules change: confirm with the provider before you rely on them.

Before you buy any everyday health product, from continence pads to hearing aid batteries, check two things: whether the NHS will supply it free, and whether a pharmacist, GP or nurse should look at the problem first. This section explains both for the items older shoppers buy most.

Ask first, buy second

Many people spend their own money for years on things the NHS would have provided. Batteries for NHS hearing aids are free. Continence pads can be supplied free after an assessment. Compression stockings prescribed by a GP or nurse are measured to fit. Dentures are available on the NHS, and broken ones can often be repaired free.

Watch out: We are a shopping guide, not a medical service. Nothing in this section is medical advice. For anything about your own health, speak to your GP, your pharmacist or NHS 111. In an emergency, ring 999.

Help with health costs

What is free depends on where in the UK you live as well as on your age and income.

  • Prescriptions are free for everyone in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and for people aged 60 and over in England. See free prescriptions and eye tests.
  • NHS dental treatment is not free just because you are over 60, anywhere in the UK, although check-ups are free in Scotland and for people aged 60 or over in Wales. See dental plans and NHS dentistry.
  • The guarantee part of Pension Credit brings free NHS dental treatment and other help with health costs.
  • The NHS Low Income Scheme can give full or partial help if your income is modest but you do not receive a qualifying benefit. You apply on form HC1. Details are on the NHS help with health costs pages.

Our benefits checklist and the guide to what you get at 60 cover the rest.

Buying health products sensibly

  • Use your pharmacist. Pharmacists are trained health professionals. They can advise on products, check for clashes with your medicines, and tell you when you need to see a doctor.
  • Buy from a known UK retailer or a registered pharmacy. Be cautious about health products from unfamiliar websites and marketplace sellers. See buying on marketplaces.
  • Look for own brands. For basics such as vitamin D, denture tablets and plasters, a pharmacy or supermarket own brand usually does the same job for less. Loyalty schemes and over-60s offers can help too: see Boots and Superdrug.

Guides in this section

Common questions

Can I get these products on prescription?

Some, yes, where a health professional decides you need them: compression hosiery and some continence and foot care items, for example. Vitamins and everyday toiletries generally are not prescribed.

Is it safe to buy health products online?

From a registered UK pharmacy or a well-known retailer, yes. Be wary of sellers you have not heard of and of prices that look too good to be true. See online shopping safety.

Where else on the site should I look?

For equipment, see blood pressure monitors, pill organisers and the hearing aids buying guide.

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