Anyone over 65 urged to make heating change for winter | Weather | News
Everyone over the age of 65 is asked to replace their heating system this winter to stay warm and protect from winter illnesses.
The Met Office is urging households to prepare for winter weather as multiple snow and ice warnings have been issued across the UK. A yellow warning for snow is currently in force until 9pm on Thursday, affecting North East England and parts of Yorkshire and the Humber, where up to 25cm of snow is expected to fall at high levels. While many yellow warnings were issued for snow and ice, citizens were warned to be prepared for dangerous driving conditions and freezing temperatures. The weather warnings coincide with the UK Health Safety Agency’s (UKHSA) yellow cold health warning affecting North East England, North West England, Yorkshire and the Humber, which is in force until 8am on Saturday 22 November.
To help protect against freezing weather, Met Office advice recommends that anyone over the age of 65 should set their heating to a minimum of 18C.
Households are asked to keep their thermostats set to at least this temperature at all times, both during the day and at night, in cold and snowy weather.
Windows should also be kept closed throughout the night to help maintain indoor temperature, and drawing your curtains at dusk will also help retain the heat generated inside your rooms.
In its winter advice, the Met Office says: “Cold thickens the blood and increases blood pressure, plus breathing in cold air can increase the risk of chest infection. So it’s even more important to ensure your home and the homes of the people you care for are at the right temperature.”
“Ideally, you should heat your home to at least 18°C. This is especially important if you have limited mobility, are aged 65 or over, or have a health condition such as heart or lung disease. A room temperature just above 18°C can be good for your health.”
“If you are under 65, active and wearing appropriate clothing, you may want to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, even just below 18°C.
“People aged 65 and over, or with pre-existing health conditions, may find that it is good for their health if the bedroom temperature is at least 18°C overnight; this may be less important if you are a healthy adult under 65 and have appropriate clothing and bedding.
“It is important to keep your bedroom window closed at night when the weather is cold.”
The Met Office’s advice also suggests staying active in cold weather – even if you’re trapped inside due to snow and ice; because this will help your body stay warm and protect you from winter illnesses such as colds, flu, and more serious health problems.
To help your body stay warm in cold conditions, the forecaster says you should get up and move around at least once an hour and make sure you eat at least one hot meal a day, as well as regular hot drinks.
If you go outside in cold weather, NHS advice suggests wearing a scarf, such as a face mask, over your mouth to help protect against the cold. Wearing a scarf like a face mask helps reduce the risk of triggering asthma symptoms by warming the air before it is inhaled.
