Wokingham Borough Council’s Public Health team is encouraging residents to look out for each other this winter.
Cold weather can be bad for our health, especially for people aged 65 and older, so the council is asking us all to keep wrapped up warm and, if possible, check on older relatives, friends and neighbours.
As we age it takes longer to warm up, which raises the risk of increased blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. The council has offered simple suggestions to keep warm indoors which include ensuring you heat your home to at least 18°C, keeping your curtains closed and tucked behind radiators to help trap heat and trying not to sit still for more than an hour.
The council also recommend that you have plenty of warm food and drinks and wear a few layers of thin clothing rather than one thick layer as this will trap the heat better to keep you warm.
Grants, benefits and sources of advice are also available to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills with further details, including eligibility, available on the government website www.gov.uk/phe/keep-warm
If you’re worried about an older person, the council recommend that you either contact a family member, report your concerns to them via the council website or ring the Age UK helpline on 0800 055 6112.
