October has just arrived and, although we’re often blessed with an Indian summer where warmer temperatures continue well into the autumn, it seems that 2024 isn’t going to see such luck, with freezing conditions apparently well on the way.
A shift in the seasons is always a welcome and refreshing change, but preparation is absolutely key, especially where the colder weather is concerned, if you’re to protect your physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing.
This year, there are a few issues that older people will need to be aware of, predominantly the stopping of the winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners as a result of a new means testing system, which is being pushed through by the Labour government in an attempt to bolster public finances.
The move has been opposed by charity Age UK, with chief executive Paul Farmer describing the decision as “the wrong one at the wrong time”, with approximately two million people currently in need of the extra £300 at this time of year.
In addition, energy industry regulator Ofgem increased the energy price cap today (October 1st) by ten per cent to £1,717 per year for typical domestic use, which could encourage people to turn the heating down or even off in a bid to save money… which could put their health at risk.
All of this is largely out of your control, however, so it’s essential that you do all you can to stay warm during the winter months to look after your health and keep bugs at bay.
Where your home is concerned, aim to maintain a comfortable temperature in the rooms that get the most use, typically around 18 degrees C.
If you have rooms you don’t use, turn off the radiators so you’re not wasting energy and close the doors to help keep cold air and draughts out of the rest of the house. You can also help bring in the warmth by keeping the curtains open during the day and double-checking for draughts, using draught excluders where necessary.
Elsewhere, try to keep as active as possible. It can be difficult to head outside during winter when the weather is bad, so make sure you’re getting up and moving around regularly throughout the day, which will help you stay warm, as well as improving your strength and mobility.
Now is also the perfect time to embrace delicious wintry food. Stews, casseroles, roast dinners, hotpots… winter food is incredibly tasty and highly nutritious, as well as being relatively quick and easy to make, with plenty of leftovers to keep you going.
Aim to have at least one hot meal a day and as many hot drinks as you can manage, warming yourself up from the inside out.
Of course, these are only a couple of suggestions so if you need any further help or advice, or are looking for further information relating to home care in Islington, get in touch with the Concept Care team today.
