Keep Well this Winter

Keep Well this Winter campaign

We are all more likely to catch colds and the flu in the winter, however for some people, the cold weather can also lead to more serious health problems such as hypothermia, bronchitis and pneumonia.

As many of these cold-related health problems are avoidable, the Keep Well this Winter campaign aims to provide help and advice to those aged 65 and over to enable them to keep warm, well and safe during the winter months.

Here are the Keep Well this Winter top tips to help you have a happy and healthy winter:

1. Get a flu jab

You can get a free flu jab from your GP if you are over 65, have a long-term health condition, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person. Having a flu jab will not give you the flu, this is a myth. If you have any health concerns then please contact your GP or phone NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47 or visit the NHS Direct Wales    website for help and advice.

2. Heat your home to the correct temperature and dress for warmth

Keeping your rooms heated to a temperature between 18º - 21º C (64º - 70º F) is really important to ward off certain health problems. If it’s very cold, set your heating to come on earlier and turn off later rather than turning the thermostat up. Wearing several thin layers of clothing will help to keep you warmer than one thick layer; wool, cotton or fleecy synthetic fabrics are best. If you have to go out, wrap up warmly and remember to wear a hat as you can lose a lot of heat through your head.

3. Get financial support

There are grants, benefits and sources of advice available to make your home warmer. To see if you’re eligible for grants and support contact NEST, visit the NEST website for more information or ring 0800 512 012.  If you are worried about paying your heating bills, visit the Home Heat Helpline  website or ring 0800 33 66 99.  You should also claim all of the benefits you are entitled to. For more information on benefits and financial matters, visit your local Age Cymru.

4. Eat well

Food is a vital source of energy, which helps to keep your body warm. Try to make sure you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day. The Food Standards Agency has a lot of useful help and advice on healthy eating in older age so to go to their Eat Well website  or call 0845 606 0667 for healthy eating leaflets.

5. Avoid slips and trips

Keeping active will help you stay warm and well, so look at what’s available at your local leisure centre or community venue. Age Cymru runs a Nordic Walking programme to help you keep fit and improve your balance. If your home needs repairs, improvements and/or adaptations to ensure you can live there safely then contact Care & Repair Cymru on 029 2057 6286. They can help with installing grab rails, level shower access, suitable lighting and minor repairs and assist with advice on available grants.

Keep Well This Winter is a Welsh Assembly Government campaign which is coordinated by Age Cymru in partnership with a range of national and local organisations.

For more information visit the Keep Well this Winter website or contact the Healthy Ageing Team on: ageingwell@agecymru.org.uk or 029 2043 1555.