Text Size:

|
|
Search the Age Concern website

Age Concern urges older people to take care in extreme weather

With the Met Office predicting extreme weather over the next few days, Age Concern’s Director General, Gordon Lishman, said:

“Freezing and blustery weather conditions can be particularly dangerous for older people. With icy temperatures and strong winds expected to hit the UK over the next few days, it is very important for older people to take extra care. Falls are all too common in this sort of weather and older bones tend to be more fragile and prone to nasty breaks. It sounds obvious but it is also really important that older people keep as warm as they can in cold weather by dressing and eating well, and keeping as active as possible.

“We would urge anyone who is feeling anxious about turning up their heating to contact their local Age Concern for advice on benefits and help with heating costs that could make meeting their bills easier. It may also reassure older people who receive the Winter Fuel Payment to know that an extra cold weather payment will be automatically paid to them if the sub-zero temperatures continue for a week.”

-Ends-

Notes to editors

  • To find out where their nearest Age Concern is, or to obtain free information on how to get through the winter months and claim the help with heating and other benefits they are entitled to, people can call Age Concern’s national helpline on freephone 0800 00 99 66 or visit our website.
  • For information about this weekend’s weather, please visit the Met Office UK website

Top tips to help older people stay warm this winter

  1. Make sure you eat well, hot drinks and meals provide warmth and energy. Try to have at least one hot meal per day.
  2. Exercise generates heat, helping you to keep warm. Try to do activities which will get your circulation going, this can include household chores such as cleaning.
  3. Wrapping up warmly is crucial both indoors and out. Several layers of thin clothing will keep you warm by trapping air between them.
  4. It is important to keep your bedroom and living room warm. The recommended room temperature is 21°C. If the temp falls below 16°C there is a risk of hypothermia.
  5. Look into energy saving methods to keep your house warm and cut down on your heating bills. Speak to Age Concern about what grants, help with heating and benefits may be available to you. Call 0800 00 99 66 to find your nearest branch.

 

For general enquiries please contact us.

Journalists contact:

Media contact:
Neill Young
Telephone:
020 8765 7516
Out of office hours:
07071 243 243
Email:
Media@ace.org.uk