Agenda Information for Older People: Winter wrapped up ISSUE 7 WINTER 2005
MORE TO KEEP YOU ACTIVE, INTERESTED AND WARM FOR THE WINTER
There's much inside this issue of 'AGEnda' to keep our homes warm, even for free. There are phone numbers for free services and organisations that are here to help you through winter. AGE CONCERN has contributed a very useful section on what help there is and how you can get it. An important thing to remember is that you can keep this issue, so take this 'AGEnda' with you and call the numbers later. It could save you a great deal of money heating your home.
WELL AND WARM THIS WINTER
By Jane Cook, NHS Health Scotland
Good physical health starts with good mental health, especially in later life. We all know that keeping active and having a balanced diet is important for physical health but positive mental health and well-being is also vital, especially at this time of year.
How do we achieve mental health and well-being? Research shows that social activity and interacting with friends, family and other members of the community is essential to staying positive and feeling good about yourself. Sharing your thoughts, talking about your problems and being a good friend to others will certainly help. Also, keeping physically active has been shown not only to help physical well-being, but also to have beneficial effects on mental well-being.
At this time of year we are even more aware that issues concerning physical and mental health and well-being in later life are important. Here are a few basic tips for keeping well and warm this winter:
- Keep wrapped up warm. Several thin layers are warmer than one thick layer.
- Research proves that 25% of all body heat is lost through the head. So, wear a hat, even indoors.
- Attempt some gentle exercise every day, even if it is simple household chores. Exercise does help keep the cold at bay.
- Eat at least one warm meal a day. Remember not to skip breakfast!
- Drink lots of fluid, especially water and warm drinks. Perhaps keep a hot drink in a flask beside your bed in case you wake up during the night feeling cold.
Shirley Mitchell, Programme Officer, Health in Later Life at Health Scotland, adds, "Practical tips like these are important for physical and mental health and well-being for everyone, not simply for people in later life. We also know, through research undertaken with older people, that keeping socially and physically active promotes positive mental health and well-being in later life."
The following NHS Health Scotland publications, for further information, can be obtained from your local health board health promotion department:
- 'Eat Well, Stay Active', Healthy Eating for over 60s.
- 'Taking Positive Steps to avoid trips and slips' and corresponding falls prevention video 'Taking Positive Steps'.
- 'Mental Health and Well-being in Later Life: Older People's Perception'.