AGE UK: Keeping well this winter

Keeping well in winter

Winter brings additional challenges for many older people; increased heating and lighting bills can strain finances; bad weather and dark nights can make it difficult for people to get out and about; while cold temperatures and seasonal illnesses kill thousands of older people every year.

The pandemic has made matters worse, and our research shows the huge impact the virus and resulting restrictions have had on older people’s health and wellbeing. Many have told us they are deeply anxious about coping with the threat of coronavirus and the challenges of social distancing.

There are important simple steps older people can take to build and sustain their resilience in the months ahead. Age UK recommend that they:

· Get their free flu vaccine

· Look after their mental health

· Keep moving and eat well

· Keep their homes warm

· Get the help and support they need

Many people may not realise the importance of moving, just a little, as they age, or think losing their appetite is normal and nothing to worry about. We know lots of older people are avoiding going to their GP out of fear.

Age UK have set up a micro site full of useful information:

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/keep-well-this-winter/?utm_source=guide-factsheet&utm_medium=offline&utm_campaign=ia-money