The winter season is often a time people are at higher risk of illness and injury. One study found that falls on ice can lead to an increased likelihood of hospitalization among the elderly.We have a long winter ahead of us so it is important for seniors to stay covered, warm and safe. Many of […]
The winter season is often a time people are at higher risk of illness and injury. One study found that falls on ice can lead to an increased likelihood of hospitalization among the elderly.We have a long winter ahead of us so it is important for seniors to stay covered, warm and safe. Many of our safety tips can keep you prepared for the colder months such as staying hydrated, eating nutritious food and keeping active.
Older people are less able to regulate their body temperatures and feel the cold more. A slower metabolism also contribute to this experience. A drop in blood flow to extremities can leave people feeling colder.
They’re your grandparents, you know they’ll be looking forward to this. We may live in a temperate country but winter still gets more people than the more milder summer months, even when heat waves are taken into account.. Pre-pandemic data from the Office for National Statistics shows that there were an estimated 23,200 excess deaths in the winter of 2018-19, with respiratory illnesses cited as the leading cause.
A study from the CDC has found that there were an excess of 23,200 deaths in the recent winter of 2018-19. The leading cause was respiratory illness.
It’s important in the winter to take care of yourself and your loved ones. Doing so can help reduce the risk of catching a virus.Warming up in winter is a daunting task for the elderly. This is exactly why we’re creating this article to offer some advice on how you can do that, as well as avoiding falls in ice and snow.
There are two ways to stay warm during winter. One is by heating your home and the other is through clothes that keep you all nice and cozy! Check out the article below for all of the info you need.
To save money during winter months, it’s important to only heat the rooms in your home that you’re using. Elderly people may want to consider this as the price for natural gas and other heating sources is rising–especially for homes with no insulation.
Increasing energy bills can be tough, but it’s always good to have some options. Showers may feel more invigorating at first, but taking baths and washing your clothes less can save a lot of water.
If you’re using old-fashioned heating methods, make sure that your windows are closed and you have draught excluders in place to prevent cold air from coming in. Long-term, for retaining property values, consider installing double-glazed windows or low E Insulation. Loft insulation is a natural way to reduce the spread of heat through your loft, preventing the rooms below from cooling down so much. The savings it generates mean that installing Loft insulation can often be worthwhile quite quickly.
Tips on how to keep warm this winter should also include how to keep your body warm. That includes plenty of hot water, a strategically placed radiator for walking past and plenty of high-quality quilts. For example, using blankets and hot water bottles alongside your central heating may mean that you can turn your thermostat down by a couple of degrees. This could also help you save money on your heating bills.
A higher tog duvet should also be a good choice – a 13.5 tog quilt should be sufficient during winter, while 15 is even better all around. However, electric blankets have some disadvantages too. They can be a fire risk if you forget to turn them off and they also consume a lot of power.
It can get cold when you’re outdoors so make sure to layer up- wearing several layers will trap in your body’s heat. If it’s not enough, you could also wear thermal vests and leggings to provide extra warmth. Drinking plenty of hot drinks throughout the day should help too!
You’re not alone in the struggle to keep warm this winter. There are many charities you can turn to for help, so don’t be shy about asking for assistance if you need it. Cafes with a warm, safe atmosphere and a free hot drink can provide the opportunity for those in need to find some solace or attend community groups for both company and warmth.
During the winter season, it’s important not to forget about other safety risks for the elderly. One of these costs lives every year. Falls are a much bigger risk in the winter months, particularly during an icy or snowy spell. If you’re not confident when it’s slippery outdoors, follow our top senior winter safety tips:
Lean on your support network: arrange for a ride from family, friends, or neighbors to get where you need to go. This will give you more time to stay in the house with your kids or in the comfort of familiarity.
Stock up: keep your house well-stocked so that you have all the ingredients you might need. This will reduce your risk of a fall or injury as you won’t need to go outside in bad weather.
Be careful when going outside in icy/snowy conditions. If you do have to go out, make sure you dress warmly and wear shoes with a good grip. Take your time on your walk to keep yourself steady. One of our most important winter safety tips for seniors is to always let someone know where you’re going and when – just in case anything does happen.
Ask for help: Reach out to your loved ones or friends if you need extra help — it’s completely fine to ask for help if you’re struggling
Especially during the autumn and winter months, it’s important to keep your immune system up as you are more susceptible to catching colds and other seasonal illnesses. Here’s a list of ways you can boost and support your immune system.
One of the most important pieces of winter advice for elderly people is to get your flu jab if eligible. Everyone aged 65 and over are entitled to receive a free flu vaccine each winter which aims at combating what’s thought to be the most prevalent illness during that time
Here are a few tips to remember for our cold weather advice for the elderly, including making sure you’re taking the right vitamins. For example, vitamin D can help to support bone health and we receive less of this nutrient naturally in the winter as our bodies are exposed to less sunlight, so you may want to consider taking a supplement.
It’s important to try to eat as healthily as possible. Eating hearty, filling, warming meals that contain plenty of nutrients will help boost your energy levels and keep you feeling good. If you’re the type of person that doesn’t prepare their own meals, tell a loved one what you need for a plan to continue staying healthy.
If you are suffering from any health-related issues during winter, do not hesitate to reach out to your GP. The cold and flu outbreaks affect everyone and can make it hard for us to fight off other diseases, such as pneumonia or even more serious illnesses. They can offer expert advice for winter. They’re the people best placed to provide health information for elderly citizens when it comes to winter.
For more advice on keeping safe and healthy during winter, please speak to Westwood Care group today.
