Advent Post #7: Keeping warm this winter with Age UK!

It's a sad fact but this winter 24,000 older people could die from the cold - that’s 200 deaths a day that could be prevented.

It's important that even if we aren't living with someone elderly, we try and keep an eye on our elderly neighbours who do live alone.

Age UK have a great campaign running thought the winter months - Spread the Warmth is an integrated campaign to help older people keep warm and well this winter. There's also a great article on how to make sure you or someone you help care for are receiving the benefits you/they are entitled to - have a read here.

How Age UK helps older people in winter

Local Age UK groups offer a very wide range of services to help older people feel warm and well in winter:

• They distribute essential items like clothes, heaters and electric blankets to keep older people warm.
• They provide free information and advice to ease financial worries, and help older people to feel warm and well.
• Their handy people provide energy services, like fitting draft excluders and radiator foils, as well as help with practical tasks around the home.
• They offer shopping support so those with mobility issues can get what they need.
• They run Christmas parties and provide befriending services to help fight loneliness.

Have a look ay my top 5 tips for keeping yourself warm this winter - feel free to add your own in the comments!

1. Layer up! Try to wear a few layers rather than one thick jumper. The layers help to trap warm air within your clothing and keep you warm for longer.
2. Keep your rooms cosy! Once the sun sets, draw your curtains to keep the warmth in your rooms and stop draughts creeping in.
3. Fuel your body! A good, warm breakfast like porridge is a great start to the day followed by tasty soups, stews and casseroles for your other meals during the day. Foods high in carbohydrates (starchy foods) are great to keep your body fueled for the day, and they're pretty cheap too! Potatoes, pasta, bread and rice are perfect to base your meal around.
4. Close the door! Keep windows and doors (including internal doors) closed to help keep the heat contained.
5. Wrap up in bed! Make sure you wear warm clothes in bed, including warm, fluffy socks!

You can have a look at the full Age UK guide to keeping warm and well here. Don't forget to keep an eye on your neighbours!

This blog post was written to promote the Age UK campaign, Spread the Warmth.