The immediate effects

If the UK’s power went down tomorrow, these are the ways it is likely to impact you first.

• You’d get stuck in lifts, wherever you are in the lift shaft.
• Trains would be stopped as the signals depend on electricity.
• Traffic lights would stop working on the roads – leading to congestion or crashes.
• Contactless payments are likely to fail.
• Your Wi-Fi at home would stop working and communication becomes difficult.
• Fridges and freezers will turn off – unless you have a standalone generator – and food will spoil over time.
• Hospitals and water treatment works have their own backup generators so will keep going until their supply runs out.

How transport would be affected

The longer term effects

During the 1977 New York blackout, which lasted 25 hours, there was civil unrest, resulting in widespread looting and arson, although intense heatwaves are thought to have exacerbated the situation.

Battery radio

To get updates during a power cut – a car radio can be used, but in severe weather it might be safer to stay inside.

Wind-up torch

The Government recommends opting for torches over candles, for safety reasons.

How to prepare

Eight easy ways to stop
your child spending summer glued to their devices

Not all screen time is bad

Using screens in a way that benefits your child’s development is key and balancing educational content and entertainment with offline activities ensures a well-rounded routine.

DR GUMMER

Outdoor activities

For younger children, try scavenger hunts, garden games and nature walks. For older ones, hikes
and biking trips.

Family game nights

It’s an excellent way
to bond and develop critical thinking skills.

How to keep your kids off screens

Social interaction

Arrange playdates or group activities with friends, or for older kids try an overnight camping trip in the garden.

Lead by example

Showing that you value offline time encourages your children to do the same.

Open conversations

Discuss the importance of balancing screen time with your children so they understand the reasons behind the rules.

Eggs

They contain several nutrients thought to support brain health, including choline, vitamin B12 and iodine.

Broccoli

It’s packed with antioxidants and high in vitamin K, which is essentially for healthy brain cells.

Fibre is overlooked in dementia prevention

• To increase fibre intake, include wholegrains, nuts, seeds, lentils, and legumes.
• Fermented foods also support brain health by improving the gut microbiome.

Oily fish

Your brain uses Omega-3s to build brain and nerve cells – so a diet rich in them may slow age-related mental decline.

Blueberries

They contain compounds which have been shown to improve blood flow to the brain, cognitive function, and memory.

The Mind diet

Feeling insecure at work
in your 50s? You’re not alone

The final decades of work

There’s this assumption about being put out to pasture… but now that we’re living and working longer, we have to challenge myths around ageing and remember that over-50s are a crucial part of the workforce…

LYNDSEY SIMPSON, AUTHOR OF AGE REBELLION AND FOUNDER OF 55/REDEFINED

The current situation

Keep learning new skills

We need the same level of career planning in
our fifties as our twenties. It’s possible to reinvent yourself again.

Think about money

Do you need a pay rise? Could you trade some of that money you earn, to work a bit less, and do more things you enjoy?

The things not to do

Accept redundancy too quickly

It’s going to be so much harder to get back into work if you don’t have a plan before you take that leap.

The things not to do

Avoid chicken breast

Boneless chicken thighs are all meat and a much tastier product.

Shop alone

There are so many products that children want to fill the trolley with – all kinds of exciting eye candy. It’s cheaper to go alone.

Easy ways to save on the weekly shop

Track your spending

It doesn’t need to be an elaborate spreadsheet but without some kind of metric, it’s impossible to spot where you
can or must make cutbacks.

Look for yellow stickers

You can save plenty
over a year by never buying branded products at full price.

Avoid packaged snacks

Packing fruit, biscuits, and nuts etc into a Tupperware to take out is more cost effective than buying tiny packaged portions.

Be wary of DIY treats

“Faking” a takeaway at home can sound like a cheaper option, but if it’s something you don’t usually cook – that needs new ingredients – it could work out pricier.

Skip a shop

Every time you make do with what’s at home,
you save big.

Try a week or a month of shopping local,
and you might be surprised at the results,
in terms of cost and other benefits like supporting local businesses, and
avoiding car journeys and traffic.

• Go shopping when you’re not in a huge rush so you can make relaxed and informed decisions. Don’t expect to stick to your plan or make great choices when you’re in a hurry.