eople in the UK than in Sweden, where temperatures regularly fall as low as -30C ( – 22F). In both studies poor home insulation was seen as a significant factor. Friends of the Earth estimate that around 22% of all excess winter deaths in England and Wales could be due to cold housing.
Keeping the house warm has its own safety hazards. Gas, coal or wood burning heaters can give off poisonous carbon monoxide fumes if they’re not working properly. So regular servicing of gas appliances by qualified engineers is a must. You can find one on the Gas Safe website. It’s also worth investing in a carbon monoxide detector.
Increased risk of slips and falls on icy pavements
one study in the UK found that the number of emergency hospital admissions due to falls increased more than twenty fold during a particularly severe winter. The risk is compounded where older people, for instance, have poor eyesight or problems with balance or memory. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) advises older people should try to avoid going out in very cold weather, and if possible ask friends and neighbours for shopping or lifts. If you must go out, they suggest wearing good, sturdy shoes and taking a walking stick or pole. Take it slowly and don’t rush.
Fortunately, modern developments such as home delivery by supermarkets and free online communication with family and friends through Skype and similar systems can help here even if you’re both housebound. Ask someone to explain how it works if you don’t know how to use Skype.
- In winter there’s an increased risk of heart attack, respiratory disease, hypothermia, falls and carbon monoxide poisoning – as well as isolation for the elderly.
- A healthy lifestyle is the first line of defence against heart attack and respiratory disease
- Common sense measures to stay warm and dry should protect against hypothermia – seek help if your home is poorly insulated or you have difficulty paying energy bills
- Home deliveries and social media such as Skype, FaceTime etc. can reduce isolation if you’re housebound
- Plan ahead if severe cold weather is forecast
Reviewed and updated by Christine Gratus January 2017. Next review date November 2021