Help our older residents prepare for winter
A weekly call will make a massive difference to someone who might not have anyone, why wouldn’t you try it?
WE ALL know that winter can be an extremely challenging time for many older people.
We can expect colder weather, darker days, winter bugs, and all of these can contribute to a feeling of loneliness.
In 2019/20 the Office of National Statistics reported a 19 per cent increase in the number of excess winter deaths.
This was dramatically affected by COVID-19 but the number of flu-related deaths was significantly reduced due to the lockdown measures in place.
Experts are predicting that flu will circulate as normal alongside the ongoing risk of COVID-19.
This year, more than ever before, we need to help our older residents prepare for the months ahead.
Have you considered what you can do?
Although this season will undoubtably be difficult, we know that there are important simple steps older people, their families and communities can take to build and sustain their resilience in the months ahead.
Age UK have developed six simple things you can do:
Move more – try not to sit for more than an hour at a time, even a little bit of movement can help maintain strength and mobility.
Eat well – try to keep your cupboards stocked with the basics and make healthy food choices where possible. Eat your five portions of fruit or veg a day and remember frozen veg is just as good!
Get vaccinated – even if you are feeling well. The World Health Organisation recommends at least 75 per cent of people over 65 years should get their flu jab, last year in Calderdale it was over 80 per cent so keep up the good work! COVID-19 boosters are now available and you might be eligible for vaccinations against Shingles and Pneumonia too, so check with your GP.
Keep your home warm - try to heat your home to a steady and comfortable temperature and close the curtains at dusk to help keep heat in.
Stop the spread of germs – wash your hands regularly and keep sanitiser at hand. Catch coughs in a tissue; wear a facemask in busy indoor places and avoid contact with people who are unwell.
Wrap up well – layer up to keep warm; wear a hat and pull your scarf over your mouth when you go out.
Loneliness is an even bigger problem during winter when it’s often too cold to go outdoors and the dark nights take a hold. Working from home I became more aware of just how short the winter days are. I looked forward to my family returning home at teatime and was grateful thatI wasn’t spending the evenings on my own.
Not everyone is this lucky though.
A Public Health Profile produced, by Age UK, estimates there are over
3,300 people in Calderdale, aged over 65, who suffer from loneliness.
If you can spare an hour a week you can become one of our telephone befrienders.
A weekly call will make a massive difference to someone who might not have anyone, why wouldn’t you try it?
Age UK for Calderdale is a local charity that that provides support and care for older people.
We can also offer a free home energy check and can give you tips on how to keep warm.
Contact our office on 01422 252040 and let us help you have a better winter.