Watch out for the Elderly this Winter - Wallace
Meath East TD Mary Wallace has appealed to communities around the county to make sure that their elderly neighbours are safe and warm particulary during this cold snap.
The Minister stated "Our children where delighted with the recent fall of snow and enjoyed themselves in this now somewhat rare occurrence. This time of the year can however be very difficult for older people. Many older people live alone and some in fairly isolated areas. I would encourage neighbours and relations to drop in to make sure that they have sufficient fuel to keep warm during this cold spell.”
Elderly people are particularly vulnerable to the effects of the cold weather. Age Action have highlighted some steps older people can take to ensure they remain safe during the winter. These include:
• Clothing - wear several thin layers, rather than one thick layer of clothing.
• Remain active - don’t stay sitting for long periods. Split your household chores between the morning and the afternoon to ensure you keep moving. Exercise daily, but avoid risks during wet/icy conditions.
• Get the flu jab.
• Eat well - have at least one hot, nutritious meal a day. Sip hot drinks regularly. Keep a flask of hot drink beside the bed in case you wake up cold. Stock up with provisions in case there is icy weather and you cannot go out.
• Insulate your home - seal gaps around your windows and doors.
Minister Wallace would also like to take this opportunity to express her thanks and appreciation to the wonderful people in Age Action, Alone and other organisations who work so hard at this time of the year assisting the Elderly.