Age Cymru urges Flintshire communities to check on older neighbours during extreme heat
Older people across Flintshire are being urged to take care during this week’s extreme heat, as Age Cymru calls on friends, family and neighbours to check in on those who may be struggling.
The charity warns that many older people do not realise they are overheating until they are already unwell, and says those living with long-term conditions affecting the heart, lungs or kidneys face the greatest risk.
Victoria Lloyd, chief executive of Age Cymru, said:”With a rare red warning meaning a high risk to life, we’re urging the public to check in on older neighbours and relatives to see if they need anything or are struggling with the heat.
Offering to pick up shopping or medication, or even lending a fan, can make a real difference.
“Ms Lloyd said the combination of an ageing population, NHS pressures and rising temperatures is making the threat “more and more serious.”
Simple steps can help.
Keeping curtains and windows closed during the day traps cooler air inside.
Drinking water regularly, even without feeling thirsty, reduces the risk of dehydration.
Strenuous activity should be avoided during the hottest hours, between 11am and 3pm.Nerys Evans, Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health, backed the call.
She said:”This extreme heat is a serious public health matter, and I want to be clear: checking in on an older neighbour, a family member or a friend could genuinely save a life. Nobody should suffer alone in dangerous temperatures.”
Ms Evans said community action matters as much as official guidance.
The Welsh Government is working with Public Health Wales and Age Cymru to ensure people have the information they need to stay safe.
North-east Wales, including Flintshire, is under an amber heat warning on Wednesday and Thursday.
A red warning, indicating a risk to life, covers other parts of Wales over the same period.
First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth told the Senedd on Tuesday that it is “highly likely that we will see the highest temperatures ever recorded in Wales over the next two days.
“Anyone who feels unwell in the heat is advised to move to a cool place, drink water and call NHS 111.
In an emergency, dial 999.Age Cymru’s advice line is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, on 0300 303 44 98. Further information is at www.agecymru.wales.
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