‘I’m one of the lucky ones, I’m financially OK’: welcome to ageing Britain, where pensioners outnumber children

Nearly one in five people in England and Wales are 65 or over – some are thriving, some struggling. How are we coping with the social, cultural and political change this brings?

A stitch in time: the benefits of teaching prisoners to sew

Learning a craft can change lives – and a scheme showing inmates how to use a needle and thread has had some remarkable results

Breastfeeding improves cognitive ability for children of poorer mothers – study

Analysis of data on almost 6,000 children found breastfeeding boosted brain development in disadvantaged mothers’ babies

Here they come, the forlorn teens with backpacks. It’s Duke of Edinburgh season

The countryside is suddenly full of exhausted youngsters. Even my cheery sympathy can’t lift their spirits, writes Adrian Chiles

Sir Colin Blakemore obituary

Neuroscientist, persuasive science communicator and advocate for rationality and openness

Move yourself happy! How to exercise to boost your mood – whatever your fitness level

There are plenty of workouts to improve your physical health – but what if you are exercising to improve your mental health? Experts offer their tips

Monkeypox shows that if we can’t talk openly about sex and disease, bigots will

There has been a lack of public information on the virus. Half-truths and homophobia have filled the vacuum, says Guardian columnist Zoe Williams

UK needs to tax salt in the same way it does sugar, says heart charity

Ministers should bring in levy to cut heart attacks and strokes and address packaged foods’ high salt content, advises BHF

‘I call it sauna head – your ego disappears’: how the UK got hooked on heat

From a hut by a Welsh river to a converted horsebox on the beach, saunas are appearing in unlikely spots all over the country

Beat the heat: how to stay cool in hot weather

UK authorities have issued a health alert after temperatures were forecast to top 30C on Friday. Here are some tips on how to stay well