Age Cymru, alongside the Welsh Government, have published their ‘Winter Wrapped Up’ guide, which explains what you can do to get yourself and your home ready for winter and how to stay warm, safe and well through cold weather.

The guide also includes information on organisations and services you can contact for more advice and support. It is incredibly important to look after your health and keep yourself warm.

I am encouraging readers to reach out to older members of our community and be ‘a good neighbour’. If you know of any warm initiatives happening in your local community over the autumn and winter period, let them know and if you need the support go yourself.

Find out what financial support you might be entitled to, call Age Cymru Advice on 0300 303 44 98 Monday’s to Friday’s between 9am and 4pm, alternatively get in touch with my office and we can point you in the right direction.

You can read more about staying warm this winter with the ‘Winter Wrapped Up’ guide. Click on the button bellow to read more:

A quick guide to staying warm this winter

Health:

Low temperatures can raise blood pressure. Blood pressure takes longer to return to normal particularly as we get older. During colder weather and extreme cold temperatures, we are all at risk when exposed to cold air both inside homes and buildings and whilst outdoors. The risks of heart attacks, strokes and asthma attacks increase at this time of year. Know what you can do to protect yourself and older people in your life. Keeping warm can keep you safe from harm.

Whilst it’s important to know and understand the health risks that getting cold can pose, we want to highlight what people can do to be warm, safe, and well. Help us to spread the word of the health-protecting benefits of keeping warm this winter.

Keeping Yourself Warm

As we get older it’s more difficult to get warm. Getting cold can increase the risk of serious health risks so it’s important to take care to stay warm.

A good way to start the day:

After some gentle stretching to warm your muscles, dress in lots of thinner layers. Drink warm drinks. Plan how you’d like to start a cold morning.

Simple things we can do to help us generate heat and keep warm from within are to move gently, little, and often.

Our physical activity team can introduce you to Low impact and functional exercises (LIFT) and tai chi that you can do seated or standing. If you’re looking for that social element, find out what classes are running in your area.

Keeping your home safe

Many people are unaware that they are underheating their home to the point it could be dangerous to health. We’re urging people not to forgo heating their homes altogether.

Plan now for colder weather, get your heating system serviced for safety and efficiency checks. Heat your home to at least 18 degrees Celsius.
Be a Warm Neighbour
If you know of any warm initiatives happening in your local community over the autumn and winter period. Please tag us or share to let us know. Help us to reach older people in all areas of Wales so that they know where and how to get support and to connect with others in their community this winter.

A Safe Home Environment
Good ventilation also helps avoid dampness caused by too much condensation can lead to growth of mould spores increasing your risk of breathing difficulties and chest complaints.

Fire detectors give you an early warning of a fire in your home.

Please make sure you have a device that’s most suited to your needs. If you have difficulty with your hearing or vision, some detectors work with your abilities to alert you to the danger of a fire. Contact your local Fire Service for a Safe and Well visit.

Winter Wrapped Up Guide.

Our Winter wrapped up guide is now available from your local Age Cymru. The guide is just one of many we have available, relevant to this time of year. Find out what you can do to get yourself and your home winter ready.

Burns Safety
A simple safety check before using your hot water bottle this autumn, can prevent serious injury from a burn.

• Don’t over fill your kettle, teapot, mug or cup.

If you find it difficult lifting and pouring due to pain or tremors, speak to Occupational Therapy to keep you safe from scalds.