Top 5 ways to stay warm

16th Jan 2013 | by Age UK

The Age UK Handypeople know a thing or two about keeping warm; Ken and Chris have been working together to keep homes warm and energy efficient in Milton Keynes for years.

So, who better to share some top tips about keeping warm over winter? Watch the video, to hear their easy-to-follow advice.

What is the handyperson service?

The handyperson service is a great way for older people to find some extra help with small jobs - making life easier and safer around the home.

Services differ from place to place - and not every local Age UK is able to offer a handyperson service - but these are the sorts of jobs that those who do can usually help with:
• Small repairs - putting up curtain rails, shelves and pictures
• Safety measures - fitting smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and grab rails
• Home security - door and window locks, door chains and door viewers
• Energy efficiency checks - installing draught excluders, radiator heat reflectors and energy efficient lightbulbs

There are many handyperson services operating across the country, some of these may charge and some can even be free. Ken and Chris work with Age UK Milton Keynes.

To find out if your local Age UK operates a handyperson service in your area, call our Advice line on 0800 169 65 65

Read more about local handyperson services, and the Age UK Handyvan scheme.

More tips and advice:

If you want more top tips on keeping warm in your home, check out our online guide to energy efficiency and our tips for preparing your house for winter.

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Comments...

Harry Bann
23rd Feb 2013 Very informative andeasily understood
Nick
17th Feb 2013 My tip is to buy a sleeping bag and use it in bed, under a couple of duvets. It has special materials designed to keep heat in if your sleeeping outdoors so it will work a treat indoors in winter.

You can also unzip in and use it as an amazingly warm wrap indoors when you're watching telly, etc. It's much better at keeping you warm and toasty than a shawl / blanket, or even a duvet.
Age UK
11th Feb 2013
Hi Pauline,

Damp is a serious problem and shouldn't be left - as with most things, the longer you leave it the worse it gets! Damp can be caused by many things - it could be due to a blocked up drain, or bad ventilation, or even leaking roof tiles.

A reputable plumber/builder will be able assess the situation. It's worth giving your local Age UK a call to seek their advice. Some Age UK's offer a handyvan or handyperson service. Although they may not be able to fix the problem, they can often offer good advice.
Call our free advice line to find out more: 0800 169 6565

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Pauline
9th Feb 2013 The ploblem that I have is 'damp' ... I have a number of walls and ceiling that have mildew growing on them. There seems to be very little information anywhere on how to solve this problem.
Age UK
30th Jan 2013 Very true Kathy! Keeping your hands, head and feet warm (with a hat, gloves and warm socks) is a very effective way to keep your overall body-heat up.

The Washington Post has written a very good article about the science behind it: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/04/AR2011020405229.html (aimed at children, but still useful!)
Kathy
30th Jan 2013 The very best way to keep your body warm is to wear a light hat indoors - especially if thin on top. It's amazing how it keeps the heat in! I used to 'poo hoo' my mother's advice regarding this tip but, she proved to be right. Now I'm a pensioner (70) myself I realise that the folk of yesteryear new a thing or too...
Kathy
30th Jan 2013 The very best way to keep your body warm is to wear a light hat indoors - especially if thin on top. It's amazing how it keeps the heat in! I used to 'poo hoo' my mother's advice regarding this tip but, she proved to be right. Now I'm a pensioner (70) myself I realise that the folk of yesteryear new a thing or too...
Age UK
28th Jan 2013 Hi Bernard,

Here is the link to the YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=3C-1MujRxw0

I hope that works for you now! In case it doesn't, the 5 tips are: keep doors between rooms closed, wear several layers of clothing rather than one thick layer, close your curtains at night, eat hot drinks and food, and call Age UK on 0800 169 6565 for more info.
Bernard Pereira
27th Jan 2013 Dear Sirs,

Would it be possible to save this in an apple format or send me a link to a YouTube video.

My son has tried to show me the video and has not been able to do so.

Thank you,

Bernard.
lisa coleman
24th Jan 2013 Could you tell me if storage heaters are a suitable form of heating for old people?.As this is the only form of heating that my parents have and this seems very inefficent to me could you let me know please.
Age UK
22nd Jan 2013 Hi Martin,

It really depends on circumstances - however, our general advice advice is that you should try and control the central heating with a thermostat or other heating controls when you are out of the house.

Call our free advice line to find out more: 0800 169 6565
Martin Tapsell
19th Jan 2013 My friends disagree on whether to leave the gas ch on all day even if you are out, or phase it off round middle of day and hang round shops and library until it is due back on. Which would cost most -boiler ticking over or having to reheat a cold home mid afternoon? In Edinburgh OAPs rode on buses to save fuel costs!
Catherine Priest
18th Jan 2013 Extra info is always good to have.