3 June 2011

While the weather is still good, older people are being encouraged to prepare themselves for winter.

“A lot of older people are on fixed incomes, many live alone and spend a lot of time in their homes, especially in the winter months,” Ann Martin CEO of Age Concern commented today. “However, to deal with the colder, damp weather, they need to keep warm and active at a cost they can manage.”

“Older people are advised to heat their living rooms to 18-21C during the day and bedrooms to around 16C at night in order to reduce risks of respiratory illness, heart attacks, stroke and falls. This might need some planning and talking to your energy company to get a payment plan that works best for you.”

Age Concern is also encouraging older people to ‘shop around’ other energy companies, as is being encouraged in the current media campaign, although they note older people can be wary of changing suppliers because they are so dependent on reliable electricity supply.

“This is a good time to have your electric blanket checked out by an electrician and replaced if need be,” Ann Martin says.

“With the expected increased use of heaters and fires, it’s worthwhile just checking that your smoke alarm is working and you have replacement batteries on hand. It’s a good idea also to remind yourself of your fire escape options and emergency contacts plan.”

Many seniors carry cell phones or wear personal alarms to keep connected with family, friends and people in the community and for use in an emergency.

Age Concern New Zealand encourages older people to have a plan on how to contact family, friends and neighbors in the event they need help or for an emergency especially, if they cant get around easily.

Ms Martin urges us all to take an interest and look out for one another this winter, “If you know an older person doesn’t have this sorted, you could suggest they make a plan or help them to do so.”

ENDS

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