Staying active

There are a number of things you can do to keep you and your home warmer this winter.

Please follow these top tips to make sure you are warm and safe over the next few months:  

Dress appropriately

• Wear thin layers of clothes rather than one thick layer
• Choose clothes made with wool, cotton, or fleecy synthetic materials

Stay active

• Don’t stay sitting still for long periods
• Spread chores through day and alternate between rest and activit
• Exercise without taking risks in wet or icy weather
• Get a flu jab

Eat well

• Eat at least one hot meal a day
• Sip hot drinks regularly throughout day and before bedtime
• Keep a flask of hot drink by your bed should you wake up feeling cold

Prepare your home

• Stock up on provisions in case it is too cold to go to the shops
• Seal gaps around windows and doors
• Insulate the loft to reduce heat loss
• Check your heating system is working and serviced once a year
• If you are using an electric blanket make sure you have it checked by a safety expert at least every three years. We are offering free electric blanket testing in selected areas across the UK.

Financial support 

Please download our help with heating factsheet which will tell you about:

• Reducing heating expenses
• Warm Front Grants
• Cold Weather Payments
• Winter Fuel Payments

Further information

• Age Concern Information line: 0800 00 99 66
  Free phone 7 days a week from 8am to 7pm.
• Contact your local Age Concern to find out what services are available in your area.

Keep warm keep well booklet

The Department of Health's Keep warm, keep well: Winter guide 2007/08 can be downloaded from the top right corner of this screen.

Freephone
Information Line
0800 00 99 66