1. Eat for Warmth: Regular hot meals and drinks provide warmth and energy.
2 Keep Moving: Any activity, even vacuuming, will improve circulation.
3 Dress Appropriately: Wrap up warmly, indoors and out, ideally with several layers of thin clothing to trap the heat.
4. Keep Your Home at the Right Temperature: Place the thermometers in the living room and bedroom, and keep temperatures between 21 and 24 degrees Centigrade (70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit).
5. Keep Warm at Night: Wearing the right clothing to bed is as important as wrapping up outdoors.
6. Get A Flu Jab: The Flu virus changes every year so get your jab EVERY YEAR.
7. Sleep with Your Windows Closed: Cold air on the head at night has been shown to increase blood pressure, which could lead to a stroke.
8. Claim Your Rightful Benefits and Grants: Everyone over 60 can claim the Winter Fuel Payments, so if you've not received it before you may need to claim. And there are many other benefits and grants which you may be entitled to.
9. Apply for Grants and Programmes: There are many free products and services designed specifically for older people, such as the British Gas "here to HELP" programme. You could also be eligible for other areas of help designed to keep warm in all residential private dwellings. For example, double glazing, loft and cavity wall insulation along with draft-proofing strips on doors, letter boxes etc.
For advice on claiming benefits and/or applying for grants:
CALL Energy Savings Trust on Freephone 0800 512012 for further information
WARM FRONT LINK FOR GRANTS
If you receive certain benefits you may be eligible for a Warm Front Grant. Find out if you qualify.
