Leisure and volunteering

Museums and historic buildings

We introduced free entry to national museums in April 2001 and this has had a huge impact on visitor numbers. In 2007-08 over 1.5 million people visited the 7 sites of Amgueddfa Cymru-National Museum Wales.

Visit the website of Amgueddfa Cymru-National Museum Wales.

Free television licence for over 75s

If you are aged 75 or over, you are entitled to a free television licence. This applies even if you live with younger family or friends.

If you are aged 74 and you will be 75 before your current licence is due to expire, you can buy a short-term licence. This will see you through until your 75th birthday, when you will be eligible for a free licence.

To apply for your free or short-term licence, call TV Licensing on 0300 790 6073.

For more information visit the TV Licensing website.

Digital television

Television services in Wales are now completely digital. The old analogue signal has been switched off and viewers need to convert or upgrade their television equipment to receive digital signals. Options include:

• through your aerial;
• by satellite;
• by cable; and
• via a broadband internet connection.

You can find full details and answers to common questions at the DigitalUK website.

Information Technology and the Internet

As our Strategy for Older People (2008-2013) points out, all public libraries in Wales provide free local access to computers and broadband Internet connections. Many also provide free 'taster sessions' or training in IT skills aimed at older people.

Visit the Library Wales website for details about your local library.

Gwanwyn Festival of Arts and Creativity for Older People

The gwanwyn festival is a month long national festival held across Wales in May celebrating creativity in older age. Anybody and everybody can get involved in gwanwyn at some level, whether as organiser, participant, audience or critic.

For full details, visit the gwanwyn festival website.

So, come out, friends, and dance,
Compose and sing;
Insist on feeling still and tasting still
The great wonder of the world.

(Extract from 'Gwanwyn' (Springtime), Gwyn Thomas, National Poet for Wales, Copyright: Gwanwyn 2007)

Volunteering

Volunteering will provide you with the opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills, develop new interests and be part of the community.

Visit the Volunteering Wales website to see current volunteering opportunities available near you.