Keeping warm in cold weather
Published on 14 January 2016 02:30 PM
We're issuing advice today to help older people keep well, safe and warm during wintery weather after the Met Office issued a yellow ‘be aware' warning of snow and ice across Wales.
Our 'Spread the Warmth' campaign coordinator Angharad Phillips says:
"The cold can have a detrimental effect on older people's health, but there are some simple steps they can take to protect their health.
"Age Cymru has put together its list of cold weather tips to help older people keep well, keep warm and keep safe when the temperature drops."
Age Cymru's cold weather advice:
• Eat at least one warm meal a day and drink plenty of warm drinks;
• Keep your main living room around 70 degrees Fahrenheit/21 degrees Celsius and the rest of your home should be heated to at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit/ 18 degrees Celsius;
• Always wear gloves and a hat and wrap a scarf around your face when you go out in cold weather, even for short intervals;
• Wear warm clothes in bed. When very cold, wear thermal underwear, bed socks and even a hat - a lot of heat is lost through your head. Several thinner layers are better than one thick layer;
• Choose well-fitting boots with non-slip soles and a warm lining that support your feet and ankle and wear thermal socks. These keep you safe if the ground is slippery and keep your feet warm;
• Look out for older neighbours, family and friends - the offer of shopping or help to keep pathways clear from ice;