Age Action has urged the general public to keep in contact with their older neighbours during the cold snap which is forecast for the coming days, and for older people to take basic steps to remain well and warm in their homes.

“Winter is challenging time for some older people and it is important that everyone plays their part to ensure that those who are frail or house-bound remain safe and well,” Age Action spokesman Eamon Timmins said.  Met Eireann is predicting severe frost in the coming days and the possibility of sleet and snow.

“We are reminding people to call in on their older neighbours to ensure they have enough fuel and basics such as milk and bread, so that they do not have to venture out in icy conditions,” Mr Timmins said.  “Older people can play their part by keeping in telephone contact with eachother and with their family and neighbours.”

Maintaining a comfortable temperature in the rooms you are living in is essential at this time of year. It should be about 21 degrees Celsius in the room you are living in and 18 degrees in other rooms.  “If you are struggling to afford to heat your home, concentrate on heating your bedroom and the other rooms you live in,” Mr Timmins said.

“The temperature in your home is crucial,” Mr Timmins said. “Medical research has found that when temperatures fall below 16 degrees Celsius there is an increased risk of respiratory problems.  Where it drops below 12 degrees, the blood thickens and there is an increased risk of stroke and heart attack.”

Research on fuel poverty and older people by the Dublin Institute of Technology and the Institute of Public Health -- funded by CARDI and published in December --  showed that during the winter of 2006/7 there were 1,281 excess winter deaths in Ireland.  Of these, the vast majority were older people (1,216 were aged over-65). The cold weather, inadequate heating, low incomes and poorly insulated homes are contributory factors in some of these deaths. 

In order to stay well and warm this winter older people should take the following steps:

• Dress correctly – wear layers, rather than one thick layer of clothing.  Maybe wear a woollen or fleece hat in bed.
• Remain active – don’t stay sitting for long periods. Spread your chores throughout the day to ensure to keep moving. Exercise daily, but avoid risks in wet/icy conditions;
• Eat well – have at least one hot meal a day. Sip hot drinks regularly.  Keep a flask of hot drink by the bed, in case you wake up cold;
• Make sure you use your free electricity or gas units, if you receive the Household Benefits package;
• Home – stock up provisions in case there is icy weather and you cannot go out;
• Seal gaps around windows and doors.  Insulate your home.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT EAMON TIMMINS, HEAD OF ADVOCACY AND COMMUNICATIONS, AGE ACTION. 01-4756989 OR 087-9682449.