Keeping warm, safe and well during the winter
Ensure that you stay healthy during winter. Annually, there are an estimated 25,400 excess deaths mostly linked to circulatory and respiratory diseases.
Remember the needs of friends, elderly relatives and neighbours who could be at risk during the cold weather. Winter and the cold weather it brings are a source of worry to many older people and those at risk of complications.
Preparing for winter and following some simple suggestions can help people stay healthy‚ safe and as comfortable as possible.
The Department of Health Keep Warm Keep Well campaign offers the following tips to help people stay healthy during winter:
- Heat homes to the right temperature (18-21 C or 64-70 F). Get financial support including grants, to make homes more energy efficient.
- Eat well. Food is a vital source of energy, which helps to keep the body warm.
- Get a flu jab.
- Look after yourself and others during winter to make sure that they are safe and well
There are a number of simple things you can do to help you and your family keep warm, healthy and safe through the cold weather - as well as saving money.
Cold weather payments
You may get a Cold Weather Payment if you’re getting certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest.