Plea to look out for elderly relatives and neighbours during cold weather

Cold weather warnings issues by forecasters have prompted calls for people to keep an eye on elderly relatives and neighbours in the coming days.

The Met Office has issued cold weather alerts – advanced warnings about freezing conditions – for the coming days and is urging people to be prepared.

Forecasters have joined forces with charity Age UK, which supports older people, and community leaders to ensure older people stay warm this winter, to protect their health and ease pressure on NHS services.

Alyn and Deeside AM Carl Sargeant said:

“Across the UK, about 24,000 older people die as a result of cold weather every winter, with thousands more admitted to hospital with serious illnesses.

“We can help cut this number by keeping a close eye on elderly relatives, friends and neighbours and making sure they are keeping warm at home.

“The ideal temperatures are 18°C for bedrooms and 21°C for living rooms and older people are advised to keep their bedroom windows closed on winter nights to prevent breathing in cold air, which can cause chest infections.”

For more information and advice, visit www.ageuk.org.uk/get-involved/spread-the-warmth/cold-weather-alert.