Over-65s urged to have hot meals during winter to stay well

Eating hot meals and keeping active are the recommended ways for the over-65s and those with health issues to cope with cold weather say public health bodies.

NHS England and Public Health England have launched an awareness campaign to keep vulnerable people well over winter.

The advice issued by the Stay Well This Winter campaign includes:

  • Set household thermostats to no lower than 18C

  • Wrap up warm

  • Consume hot meals and drinks to keep energy levels up

  • Seek advice from a pharmacist in the early stages of a cough or cold

  • Stay active

The campaign is reminding people food is a vital source of energy, which keeps the body warm.

There were 43,900 excess winter deaths in England and Wales in 2014/15 according to the Office for National Statistics.

Research shows those aged 75 and over are most at risk with an estimated 36,300 excess winter deaths in this age group.

People with conditions such as heart disease, lung problems and dementia are more likely to die in winter according to research.

Colder temperatures increases blood pressure, which heightens the risk of heart failure, kidney disease and stroke.

People are advised to keep their houses heated to at least 18 degrees Credit: PA

It also makes the blood more likely to clot, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke, and reduces the lung's ability to fight off infection.

Studies have shown that for every 1C drop below 5C in outdoor average temperatures, there is more than a 10% rise in older people seeing their GP for breathing problems.

Professor Paul Cosford, director for health protection and medical director at PHE said there are a variety of ways people can apply for help to keep their house warm, "such as winter fuel payments, warm home discounts and cold weather payments." If you meet the criteria, register for priority service with your energy and water suppliers.

"Make sure your gas, solid fuel and oil burning appliances are serviced by a registered engineer so that they are working effectively and safely before the winter sets in.

"If we all look out for each other this winter, we can really make a difference."