How to survive the winter blast

Heather Osborne, chief executive of Age UK Shropshire Telford and Wrekin, says 250 elderly people in the county die every winter due to illnesses related to the cold weather.

"The cold weather can have a serious impact on the health of older people," she says Osborne.

"As you get older it takes longer to warm up which can be bad for your health. Cold temperatures can raise blood pressure which places people at greater risk of heart attacks or strokes and the cold also increases the risk of flu and other lung-related problems."

Mrs Osborne says the number of excess deaths in Shropshire is much higher than average.

"This is due to a high level of fuel poverty, poorly insulated housing and large areas of the county being off the gas grid which makes it more expensive to heat homes.

“We would urge everyone to take care of older family members, friends and neighbours in this very cold spell of weather so that they stay warm and well.

"When the weather is icy or snowy it can be very difficult for older people to get out of their houses so please do check on them and see if they need anything. Making them a cup of tea and having a chat could make such a difference.”

Here are eight tips for older people on how to take care of themselves during the bad weather:

1) Keep rooms warm: The ideal temperature is 64F (18C) for bedrooms, and 70F (21C) for the living room. Check your thermostat or use a room thermometer to monitor temperature, and keep your bedroom window shut on a winter’s night.

2) Keep moving. Even if you don’t feel like it, staying active will not only keep you fit and healthy, it will also generate heat to keep you warm.

3) Eat well. Hot meals and drinks help to keep you warm, so eat at least one hot meal each day and have hot drinks throughout the day. Include a good range of foods in your diet so you’re getting plenty of nutrients and vitamins. Keep basic food items in the cupboard or freezer in case it’s too cold to go shopping. If you have internet access, it might make sense to do your food shopping online and get it delivered to the house.

4) Always get your winter flu jab. Not only is it unpleasant, but flu can also develop into something more serious, such as pneumonia. The Government recommends everybody over 65, or affected by certain health conditions to get the flu jab every year.

5) Check you have had the ‘pneumo’ jab., The pneumococcal jab, as it is more correctly called, iis a one-off jab that helps protect you against pneumonia, meningitis and scepticaemia. If you are over 65 and haven’t had one, ask your GP.

6) Protect yourself from chilblains. Chilblains are itchy red swellings that occur when your skin gets cold and you try to warm up too quickly, often by sitting close to a radiator or other heating.

To help prevent chilblains, keep your whole body warm at all times. Wear trousers, socks or thick tights and a scarf, hat and gloves whenever you go out in the cold.

7) Organise your medication. It’s important to plan ahead so you don’t run out of your medications. Make sure you order prescriptions ahead of time, just in case there is bad weather or you’re too unwell to go to the pharmacy. Also ask your pharmacy if they can deliver to you, if they don’t usually do this.

8) Don't be afraid to ask for help. Mrs Osborne says Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin offers a variety of services to people who are feeling the cold. The charity's benefits team checks people are getting the benefits they are entitled to, which can make a real difference if you are struggling to pay heating bills.

“We have a free booklet called ‘Winter Wrapped Up’ which offers guidance on how to stay warm in the winter plus a free room thermometer," she says.

"The charity also offers Surviving Winter grants to assist older people in financial hardship if they are struggling to pay heating bills or if the boiler breaks down.”

For more information see the website: ageukshropshireandtelford.org.uk