As it gets colder, it can be especially difficult to keep warm when you’re an older person. We take a look at some top tips to keep warm in the winter…
Why do older people feel the cold more?
As we get older our metabolism naturally decreases, meaning we feel the cold more. We also tend to get a little less active as we age, which means our body isn’t being naturally warmed up through cardiovascular exercise. Similarly, sometimes our skin thins and we lose weight in both fat and muscle – all of which act as insulators. With less insulation we lose heat quicker. So what can we do to keep warm in the winter? Let’s take a look…
How To Keep Warm In The Winter
1. Keep the heating at a sensible level
Home based heating is the best way to keep warm and snug this winter. Set your thermostat to a snug temperature (the NHS recommends a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius if you’re over 65 years old) and keep toasty! The Government has announced a Green Homes Grant that may help older people stay warmer this winter – take a look at Age UK’s website for more information.
2. Invest in a snuggly hot water bottle
Being cold in bed is never good – it can lead to poor sleep, exhaustion and restlessness. Being cold at night can also put you at risk of developing illnesses. To mitigate the cold, invest in a fluffy hot water bottle that you can have with you as you go to bed.
3. Draught excluders
Try to identify where the cold air enters your house. If you have vents above windows, close them, and add draught excluders to any external doors. Draw curtains at dusk to help limit the amount of cold air that enters. Preventing cold air from entering your home will help to keep your house at a comfortable temperature for longer and will help you to save money on your heating bills.
4. Clothing
Ensure you’re keeping warm with jumpers and invest in some thermal socks with grippy soles. These will keep your feet snug, whilst helping to reduce the risk of falls. If you feel like it, a slanket or onesie can be a great way to keep your whole body warm and snug!
5. Hot drinks and meals
Eating warm food and drinking hot drinks will help you warm during the winter. Try to have several hot drinks spread across the day. If you find that you are especially cold at night, bring a mug of sugar-free and caffeine-free tea with you to bed, alongside your hot water bottle. You’ll be warm in no time!
