Tips for the elderly in winter

For those who have elderly relatives living far away or indeed for the elderly themselves, the cold and icy conditions which come hand in hand with winter are always a cause for concern. Below are some great tips from the NHS about a good winter diet, and various other recommendations which will help you and your loved ones to stay safe and healthy throughout the chillier months.

During winter it is really important that we provide our bodies with the fuel they need in order to stay healthy and well, and this is something a good diet can provide. Eating the right foods will ensure individuals stay warm and energetic with a healthy immune system.

Below are a few helpful tips from the NHS which will help to ensure nourishment and hydration:

• Eat regularly – For those with smaller appetites it is better to eat little and often.
• Eat at least one hot meal a day.
• Drink plenty of hot drinks throughout the day, making sure to have one before bedtime.
• Stock up with tinned and frozen foods to reduce the need to go out in extreme weather conditions such as ice or snow.
• Drink plenty of fluids, at least six to eight cups each day and try to vary the drinks from water and fruit juice to tea and coffee, etc.

As we get older our metabolisms begin to slow resulting in a loss of body heat, which unfortunately makes us more susceptible to conditions such as hypothermia and frostbite. Eating the right foods is a great way to stay healthy but there are also other simple measures (all of which are good common sense)which can be taken in order to avoid conditions such as these:

• Try not to remain sitting still for too long as periods of movement will help the body to stay warm. A great way to go about this is to spread any chores which need doing throughout the day so that periods of rest are alternated with activity, keeping you mobile and warm.
• Be very vigilant for any feelings of numbness as this could be a sign that medical treatment is required.
• Don’t stay outside for too long and be sure to stay indoors if it is very cold or windy.
• Try wearing multiple layers of clothing as they will prove more insulation and heat retention that one single thick layer.

If you would like to find out more about staying warm and healthy during the winter months then please visit direct.gov to find more information, tips and advice.