My mum has been paying House and contents insurance for so many years. The floor in her laundry has been deteriorating over a period of 30 odd years, her roof is leaking now, and her house needs to be insulated. Is she able to get any insurance money to fix these areas up? She is in her 70's now.

It is best if you read the insurance provisions carefully, and if they are unclear,
Call the insurance company or the insurance agent.

In most instances, Home Owner's Insurance covers damages and losses
Caused by weather (tornadoes, floods, hurricanes), crime (burglary,
Vandalism, etc) but not damage due to wear and tear or lack of
Maintenance.

The only way to verify what is covered is to talk to the individual
Insurance company or insurance agent, if you don't have access
To the policy provisions and limitations.

Its unlikely that her coverage covers wear and tear which is what she is dealing with. You should make sure, but it's a long shot.

I could have SWORN that I had typed in most instances Home Owner's Insurance
does not cover losses caused by wear-and-tear and lack of maintenance,
As I was differentiating between coverages and exclusions.

Homeowner's insurance is like car insurance. It does not accumulate any value unlike say some whole life insurance does. Once the insurance money is paid to the company it does not just go into some sort of fund waiting to be withdrawn at a later date. Doesn't work that way. You don't get a refund on money paid in for years and years. You just have the peace of mind that if anything did happen you would have been covered.

To add to what Twinkie said, which I agree with, the homeowner's insurance is there to cover unexpected/sudden losses. The homeowner is responsible for regular maintanence and to mitigate his/her damages. So in the example of leaky windows or a leaky roof, the homeowner is responsible for having the necessary repairs done in order to avoid long term damage (ie. Mold, further deterioration).