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Gordon Lishman‚ Director-General of Age Concern England‚ said:

“Older people‚ especially those on medication‚ can often find coping with the heat particularly difficult. It’s a fact that as people get older‚ their bodies cope less well with hot weather.

“So basic precautions such as staying indoors or in the shade‚ drinking more (but not alcohol)‚ taking cool baths or showers‚ and keeping the home well ventilated sound obvious but will really help older people to keep their cool in the hot weather

“Anyone with an older family member or neighbour can also help by calling in to check on them‚ reminding them to have a mixture of drinks including tea‚ fruit juice and water and help them keep their houses cool‚ using a fan if possible.”

-Ends-

Notes to editors

The Department of Health is publishing an information leaflet called 'Heatwave - a guide to looking after yourself and others in hot weather' on the 26th of May. It is available from GP surgeries‚ Pharmacies or from www.dh.gov.uk and contains top tips such as:

• If a heatwave is forecast‚ try and plan your day in a way that allows you to stay out of the heat.
• If you can‚ avoid going out in the hottest part of the day (11am - 3pm).
• If you must go out stay in the shade. Wear a hat and light loose fitting clothes‚ preferably cotton. If you will be outside for some time‚ take plenty of water with you.
• Take cool showers or baths and splash yourself several times a day with cold water‚ particularly your face and the back of your neck.
• Eat as you normally would. Try to eat more cold food‚ particularly salads and fruit‚ which contain water.

For general enquiries please contact us.

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