AGE UK’S TOP TIPS FOR STAYING WARM AND WELL THIS WINTER

CharityHealthLocal News

Age UK is working hard to raise awareness of the devastating impact that the cold can have on older people who are particularly vulnerable to the impact of low temperatures. Cold temperatures not only raise blood pressure which puts people at greater risk of heart attacks and strokes, they also increase the likelihood and severity of flu, chest infections and other respiratory problems.
AGE UK’S TOP TIPS FOR STAYING WARM AND WELL THIS WINTER
1. 64°F (18°C) is the ideal temperature for your bedroom and 70°F (21°C) is the ideal temperature for your living room. Check your thermostat or use a room thermometer to monitor temperature
2. Keep your bedroom window shut at night. Breathing in cold air can increase the risk of chest infections
3. Stay active and when you are indoors try not to sit still for more than an hour, if you can get up. Walk around or make a hot drink.
4. Eat well. It’s important to eat well, especially in the winter. Have at least one hot meal a day and have regular hot drinks, as they help to keep you warm. Also stock up on basic food items in case of a cold snap.
5. If you’re feeling under the weather, get help as soon as possible and tell your friends, family or carer. You can also get advice from your local pharmacist or from
www.nhs.uk/asap. The earlier, the better.
Age UK said: “Although it sounds like common sense, advising people on how to stay warm in winter saves lives. Many people don’t realise how the cold affects our bodies differently as we age and how, if we don’t take sensible precautions, it can very quickly put our lives in danger.
“Winter can be a very difficult and isolating time for many older people, especially those who live alone or are housebound – that’s why it’s so important that we come together to help those who are most at risk. Our winter health event is the perfect opportunity for older people and others to come along and find out about what they can do to stay warm and well, and how we at Age UK can help them.”
Older people and their families can call Age UK Advice for free on 0800 169 65 65, where they can order a free copy of the Charity’s updated ‘Winter Wrapped Up’ guide which contains a free thermometer and provides tips on staying warm in winter. Alternatively they can visit www.ageuk.org.uk to download the guide and find out where their local Age UK office or shop is.

You May Also Like

LOCAL MEN RAISE OVER £15,000 FOR TEENAGE CANCER TRUST
Stop Men Dying Too Young

Author

Must Read

No results found.

Menu