In my view Reduce the worry of affording to keep warm
winter, for example the
Cold Weather Payments and Warm Home Discounts; all aiming to reduce the worry about affording to keep warm as the temperature drops.
Keeping warm through the winter is an annual challenge for older people on low fixed incomes.
Older people who are worried about making ends meet should be encouraged to keep their heating turned up during winter, so they can stay well.
An Age UK report gives some simple tips on how you can reduce the amount of energy you use, things like:
• When making a cuppa, just boil the water you need rather than a kettleful - this could save you £7 a year.
• A dripping tap can waste the equivalent of half a bath a week. If you’re on a water meter a dripping tap could cost an extra £15 a year.
Nobody should have to choose between food and warmth. Being cold can make your pre-existing health conditions worse and it increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, flu and pneumonia.
An ONS (Office of National Statistics) report showed that in England and Wales there are typically more than 31,000 excess winter deaths from cold-related illnesses.
The levels in Calderdale are aligned to the national picture but this can’t continue.
The End Fuel Poverty Coalition recently launched a petition to call on the Government to take immediate action to avert the fuel poverty.
To sign up, go to this website: https://actionstorm. org/petitions/fuel-povertycrisis.
Not eating enough and becoming underweight is bad for your health as it makes it more difficult to keep warm and fight infections. It’s a fact that eating increases your body temperature, too.
If you are making a hot meal tonight, could you drop a portion off to a neighbour to show them you care?
Age UK in Calderdale is a local charity that provides support and care for older people.
We can offer free benefit checks to make sure you are getting the benefits you are entitled to.
We can also offer a free home energy check and give you tips on how to keep warm; as well as installing free draught excluders. Call our office for help on 01422 252040.
Remember to keep your spirits up! It’s quite common to feel ‘out of sorts’ in winter, particularly when the days are short and the nights feel long.
Having a routine, taking short walks (when it’s not too cold) and joining activities or groups with others are all good ways to lift our mood.
I too find it more difficult to be self-motivated in winter but it’s a great feeling when you do make the effort!