Spread the Warmth to Stop Older People from Suffering
- 19 Nov
Age UK are calling on people to remember older people this winter and help them out in the local community with their Spread the Warmth campaign.
Their research shows that 3.5 million people aged 65+ in the UK are not getting any help, support or companionship from neighbours, which can be extremely difficult during a cold winter.Winter can have a massive impact on older peoples lives. and increases associated health problems for older people including heart attacks and strokes, respiratory problems, pneumonia and depression.
During the winter, isolation can also intensify having an adverse effect on physical and mental well-being.
Age UK's Spread the Warmth campaign is for people to make winter time less worrying for older people. Over 3.5 million (35%) people aged 65+ are concerned about staying warm at home and find it more difficult to get out and about with nearly 4.5 million (43%) people aged 65+ concerned about falling over on slippery pavements and just over 2 million (21%) state they are worried about not being able to get out and about as much.
Part of Age UK's Spread the Warmth campaign is as simple as going in to see an older friend relative or neighbour, or offering to clear the paths or get some shopping in for an older person when winter is here. A small gesture can make a big difference to an older person in winter.
This winter as many as 25,000 older people could die due to the cold. To help prevent this, the charity will be providing social activities and contact for older people, giving out hot meals and offering information and advice on the best way to stay healthy. The charity is also calling on the Government to boost the energy efficiency of older people's homes.
Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director General of Age UK, said:
The winter can cause misery, avoidable illness and even death for too many older people. We're hoping to inspire everyone to act now to do their bit to lessen the impact of winter for older people this year.
There is something simple that everyone can do from popping in to check on an older neighbour to making time for older relatives. As we experienced as a nation this summer, it feels good to come together and help each other out. Small things and a friendly face make all the difference.See more at Age UK.
Image source: http://www.morguefile.com/archive/display/103653
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