Keeping warm in winter is the key to keeping well and there are a few easy steps that you can take, both for yourself and for elderly or vulnerable relatives and friends, to ensure that you keep yourself well during winter.
Keep warm
People over 50 can be particularly vulnerable as the weather gets colder. During this time you are more likely to catch colds or flu and if your body temperature drops the risk of heart attack, stroke or breathing difficulties increases. This is especially true for older people, for people with a serious disease or illness, or those made vulnerable by physical disability.
Dress Well - Indoors, wear several thin layers of clothes rather than one thick layer. Keep warm in bed by wearing socks, thermal underwear and a warm nightdress or pyjamas. Outdoors, wear several thin layers under your coat, keep your head covered and wear warm, dry, flat, non-slip shoes or boots.
Eat Well - Food is fuel. Eat a mixed diet that includes fruit and vegetables and avoid getting dehydrated by taking plenty of fluids, including hot drinks on cold days. Eat at least one hot meal a day and have a hot drink before bed. Keep a thermos flask by your bed in case you wake up cold in the night.
Keep Moving - Moving around generates extra body heat, so any kind of exercise or activity will help you to keep warm. Don’t sit still for long periods and spread chores out through the day so you can alternate between rest and activity.
Heat Well - Keep your home warm and if you can, keep the temperature at 21ºC in all the rooms you use during the day. If this is not possible, keep your living room warm during the day and heat your bedroom and bed before going to sleep. Keep your bedroom window closed at night.
For more information:
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/winterhealth/Pages/Verycoldweather.aspx
Last reviewed: 12/06/2012
