Let's look after each other this winter
A&E doctor and TV presenter Dr Saleyha Ahsan shares how you can help make sure everyone stays happy and healthy in winter.
Look after each other
As we get older winter can become more of a struggle. So it's really important we look after ourselves, and the people in our lives who might need a little extra support.
There are plenty of simple, practical things you can do to help this winter.
Top 5 things you can do to help
- Encourage everyone to look after their health. As we get older, we need to take a bit more care of our health - even if we're fit as a fiddle. One of the easiest ways to protect ourselves from nasty winter bugs is to get the free flu jab. If you're a carer, you can get it for free too. Find out more.
- Make time for relatives, friends and neighbours. Darker nights and miserable weather can make it harder for people to get out and about. And ifyou're stuck at home, you can end up feeling lonely and a bit down. Calling for a chat, popping in for a cuppa or even sending a card in the post can really help let someone know you're thinking about them. Know someone who's lonely? We offer free weekly friendship calls for over 60s.
- Ask if people have everything they need. When bad weather makes it harder to get out, popping out to run a few errands or doing an online shop could be a big help to someone.
- Check their home is warm enough. Over half of older people worry about bills in winter, and around 1 million people aged over 60 live in fuel poverty, meaning they can't afford to heat their homes properly. The ideal temperature for your living room is 21 degrees, while in the bedroom 18 degrees is best. If the house feels very cold or someone's worried about heating their home, their local Age UK may be able to help.
- Help make sure everyone can get out and about safely. When it's icy or wet outside, it's easier to slip and fall. So helping to keep paths and driveways clear and salting steps and slopes could make a big difference. Green mould is particularly slippery, but power-washing can get rid of it.
Helpful information
We've got lots of information to help make winter a bit easier for everyone.
We're here to help
We offer support through our free advice line on 0800 055 6112. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 140 local Age UKs.