Advice for older people about severe weather conditions

Freezing and blustery weather conditions can be particularly dangerous for older people. With the current icy temperatures and hazardous state of roads and pavements ‚ it is very important for older people to take extra care. Falls are all too common in this sort of weather and older bones tend to be more fragile and prone to nasty breaks. It sounds obvious but it is also really important that older people keep as warm as they can in cold weather by dressing and eating well‚ and keeping as active as possible.

We would urge anyone who is feeling anxious about turning up their heating to contact us for advice on benefits and help with heating costs that could make meeting their bills easier. It may also reassure older people who receive the Winter Fuel Payment to know that an extra cold weather payment will be automatically paid to them if the sub-zero temperatures continue for a week.

For information about this weekend’s weather‚ please visit the

Met Office UK website

Top tips to help older people stay warm this winter

Make sure you eat well‚ hot drinks and meals provide warmth and energy. Try to have at least one hot meal per day.

Exercise generates heat‚ helping you to keep warm. Try to do activities which will get your circulation going‚ this can include household chores such as cleaning.

Wrapping up warmly is crucial both indoors and out. Several layers of thin clothing will keep you warm by trapping air between them.

It is important to keep your bedroom and living room warm. The recommended room temperature is 21°C. If the temp falls below 16°C there is a risk of hypothermia.

Look into energy saving methods to keep your house warm and cut down on your heating bills. Contact us about what grants‚ help with heating and benefits may be available to you. Call our First Contact telephone help line.