As we age, changes to our bodies mean that colder weather and winter flu affect us more than when we were younger. Beloved Homecare explores how ageing affects our body responses – and what we can do to help keep our elderly friends and family healthy this winter.
Our immune system weakens as we get older
Our immune system protects our body from outside invaders such as bacteria, virus, toxins and fungi. Our immune system is made up of different organs, proteins and cells that work together.
Flu, pneumonia and colds are all more common occurrences in the winter. It doesn’t have to be a cold winter for seasonal viruses to spread. Last year over 60% of flu cases that required hospital treatment were in people over the age of 65, and we all know that COVID 19 is much more dangerous for those of advancing years. Taking extra precautions is therefore more important than ever to avoid succumbing to any of these bugs.
How to protect your body from seasonal viruses
Get your free flu jab – even if you’re feeling well
The flu vaccine gives you the best protection against the flu. Flu vaccines help protect against the main types of seasonal viruses, although there may still be a chance you get the flu. If you do happen to get the flu after having the vaccination, it’s likely to be milder and not last as long. The winter flu vaccine should help to prevent hospitalisation in older adults and all eligible people are strongly encouraged to take advantage of it this year to avoid overwhelming the NHS should coronavirus cause large numbers of admissions.
Everyone aged 65 and over is entitled to a free flu jab. You can arrange a vaccination through your GP or local pharmacist. Check your local arrangements as they may be different this year.
Get a vaccine for pneumonia if needed
The Pneumococcal vaccine, also known as the ‘Pneumo Jab’, helps protect you against serious and potentially fatal pneumococcal infections. Check if you’re eligible for this vaccine when you get your flu jab.
Keep a supply of cold and sore throat remedies
Pharmacists are the best sources of information when you’re feeling under the weather and require over the counter medication. The NHS website also has a comprehensive guide to most common illnesses with advice on how to treat them. Don’t forget about traditional remedies like honey and lemon, or even a hot toddy to help banish the bugs.
Wash your hands regularly
Washing your hands regularly is a simple but effective way to stop germs from spreading. Remember to keep some hand sanitiser with you when you go out to help remove germs from your hands after you touch surfaces.
Staying warm during the winter
The cold weather puts more pressure on our hearts and circulatory systems. As we age, our body has to work harder to keep us warm. If exposed to a cold environment for long periods, or in extreme cold for only a short time, your blood pressure rises and your blood thickens. This can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. Here are a few tips for cold weather and how you or an elderly loved one can stay warm during winter.
- Wear several thin layers of clothes instead of one thick layer. The warmth from your body is trapped in air pockets formed between each layer.
- Wear fleece slippers around the house to keep your feet warm.
- Keep a blanket or throw on hand to cover your feet or shoulders.
- Close curtains to keep draughts out and keep doors closed between each room.
- If you’re feeling cold at night try sleeping in socks, use an overthrow, go to bed with a hot water bottle and keep a flask of a hot drink at your bedside.
- Heading outside? Wrap up and pay special attention to your fingers, mouth and head.
Keeping your home warm during winter
Try to heat your home to a steady and comfortable temperature throughout the day; it’s recommended by Age UK that your home should be a minimum of 18°C (64°F).
Here is our advice for keeping your home warm during winter:
- Keep the heat inside your home by investing in thick curtains – Drawing a thick pair of curtains is a great way to add an extra layer of insulation. Heat escapes out of windows due to their lack of insulation, but by adding a layer between the windows and a room you create another barrier to keep warm air in and cold air out.
- Rugs are great if your floor is always cold – Stepping barefoot on a cold laminate floor will send chills up your spine. Rugs can combat this, and even in carpeted rooms can add another warm layer to keep your feet warm.
- Relocate your sofa – Having your sofa in front of the radiator may seem like a great idea, but it actually prevents a lot of heat from circulating around the room. Make sure radiators and fireplaces are not obstructed by items to ensure you reach the full benefit of turning the heating on.
- Block out draughts – Blocking drafts using draught excluders can make a big difference. You can place draught excluders that sit along the bottom of a door frame. You can also hire a handyman to reseal doors and windows to help stop unwanted cold air getting into any room. Draught excluders are relatively cheap and require no complex installation, plus they can be moved between rooms.
Please share these winter tips with your elderly loved ones and remind them to stay warm. If you have your own tips you’d like to share please get in touch.