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31,250 people over the age of 65 died from cold related illnesses in England and Wales in the winter of 2004/05.
That’s 10 pensioners per hour
A startling fact you will agree
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So, do people actually die from the cold you may ask?
Generally people do not die from the cold directly.
The fact is that deaths overall are from stroke, heart attack, bronchial and other conditions which often occur several days after exposure to the cold.
If a person is not very active and spends a long time in the cold which then lowers body temperature, this can then aggravate circulatory diseases. Thus being more at risk of stroke, heart attack and pneumonia.
| Why are older people generally affected? |
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A large number have existing health problems |
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Many older people live in older properties with inefficient heating/insulation |
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Many choose to wrap up warm instead of putting the heating on, trying to cut down on the energy bills |
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Older people on low incomes spend up to 30% less on food than is required for a healthy balanced diet. This will put their mental and physical well being at risk making them possibly more vulnerable to the cold |
| What are we doing to make a difference? |
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For this winter period again we are distributing the Department Of Health booklet called ‘Keep Warm Keep Well’.
The booklet is given to over 65’s as part of our 'Home Safety Risk Assessment’ if the visiting personnel feel the person will may benefit from the advice in the booklet.
It has tips on dressing warm, keeping active, eating well and advice on grants and benefits available. |
We also urge you to think about your elderly family and neighbours at this time of year in particular. Check to see they are able to get a hot meal each day and keep themselves warm safely.
If an electric blanket is being used check the following:
- Check for scorch marks or damaged wiring before it is used
- Trading standards recommend an electric blanket has a life span of 10 years
- Keep the blanket flat or rolled up when not in use
- The blanket must be plugged into its own socket not into a multi adaptor
 Select the below links for advice from the Age Concern website
Age Concern - Fight the Freeze: Stay Safe
www.ace.org.uk
Includes: Fire safety tips, Free home fire risk check, Electric blanket safety tips and Carbon monoxide
Age Concern - Fight the Freeze: Keep warm
www.ace.org.uk
Includes: Keep warm top tips, Help with heating, Eat well this winter and winter workout
Further information
Alison Teece
Vulnerable Persons Officer
01743 260 260
Delyth Humphreys
Vulnerable Persons Officer
01743 260 260
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