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What is a PDF?

PDF stands for 'portable document format'.

Most downloads on this website are PDFs. We use this format to ensure that the document looks the same on everyone's computer (website pages, by contrast, appear differently depending on how people have got their computer set up).

How do I download a PDF?

Computers use a program called Adobe Acrobat Reader to download PDFs. If you try clicking on a link to download a PDF and it doesn't work, you will need to install Adobe Acrobat Reader onto your computer.

How do I install Adobe Acrobat Reader?

The process is quite straightforward and is free.

1. Go to
2. Click 'Download'.
3. Wait for the window to offer you the option to 'Run', then choose this option.
4. Click 'Next'.
5. Click 'Install'
6. Wait for the window to offer you the option to 'Finish', then choose this option.

How do I change a download?


How do I print or save a download?

Downloads will open on your computer in a new browser window.


Close the browser window to return to the Age UK website.

Can my screen reader read PDF downloads?



Read the document: Shift +Ctrl+Y
Read the open page only: Shift +Ctrl+V
Pause: Shift+Ctrl+C
Stop Shift+Ctrl+E

Copy the URL (web address) of the document (right-click on the link and select 'Save target as' or 'Copy link').
Tick the HTML box on the Format option and click 'Convert'.
You can convert a PDF document into a text file for use with other software and hardware such as Braille printers by opening the PDF and choosing 'Save as text' from the File menu.