Met Office yellow weather warning

We're issuing cold weather advice following Met Office yellow weather warnings for Thursday 12 January and Friday 13 January.

Cold temperatures can have a devastating effect on older people's health so we're sharing this advice to help older people keep warm, safe and well during the cold snap.

"The cold can make older people more vulnerable to some illnesses" says Angharad Phillips, our Spread the Warmth coordinator.

 "If you're exposed to a cold environment for a long time, or to extreme cold for only a short time, your blood pressure rises which means you could be at risk of a heart attack or stroke.

"Age Cymru has put together some simple advice to remind older people about things they can do to keep warm, safe and well 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 heated to around 21°C (70°F), and the rest of the house should be heated to at least 18°C.

• Keep your bedroom window closed at night as you're at risk of a heart attack, stroke or even hypothermia if exposed to a cold environment for a long time, or extreme cold for only a short time.

• You should 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 - several thinner layers are better than one thick layer.

Please also look out for older neighbours, family and friends - the offer of shopping or help to keep pathways clear from ice.