There are some things you can do to help stay well in winter. Keeping warm can help prevent colds and flu but can also reduce your risk of more serious health problems such as strokes. It’s recommended that the rooms you use regularly are heated to at least 18°C but you can also keep warm by wearing lots of layers.
Get Vaccinated
If you’re 65 or over, you can get free flu and COVID-19 vaccines this year. These vaccines are safe and effective. Even if you’ve had the viruses before, your protection fades, and the viruses can change. Common side effects are mild and last only a few days. You can take paracetamol if needed.
To book, go on the NHS app, visit www.nhs.uk/bookflu and www.nhs.uk/bookcovid or call 119.
Other Vaccines Available
- Pneumococcal vaccine: Free for over 65s to protect against illnesses like pneumonia.
- RSV vaccine: Free for those aged 75-79 to protect against respiratory syncytial virus that can make older adults seriously ill. If you turned 80 on or after 1 September 2024, you can also get the vaccine until 31 August 2025.
- Shingles vaccine: Free for anyone turning 65, and those aged 70-79. Shingles is a virus that causes a painful rash.
Speak to your GP practice to arrange these vaccinations.
Stock Up
Bad weather can make it tempting to stay indoors, so make sure your medicine cupboard is up to date with any medication you may need. This could include painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, a laxative to help with constipation and a first aid kit, including plasters.
Preventing falls
As we get older, lots of us may feel unsteady on our feet – but there are some simple ways we can reduce our risk of falls at home such as wearing well-fitting shoes and doing regular strength and balance exercises.
Looking after your eyes and making an appointment to have a sight test is recommended if you’re concerned about vision loss and how it could increase your risk of having a fall. Over 60s are eligible for a free eye test to find any issues early. Find your nearest optician on the NHS website.
Older people are also more at risk of getting urinary tract infections (UTIs). This can lead to feeling the need to rush to the toilet, increasing their risk of falls. Drinking plenty of water can help prevent UTIs. Check the NHS website for more advice.
When to Get Help
Look after yourself and get help if you feel unwell. For minor illnesses, visit your pharmacy. For ongoing concerns, contact your GP practice. You can get urgent advice from NHS 111, either online, on the NHS app, or by calling 111 – or alternatively go to your nearest urgent treatment centre. For a serious injury or in a life-threatening emergency, always call 999.
Help for households
There is support available this winter to help with the cost of living and energy bills through the government’s Help for Households website. Support available includes:
- Household Support Fund – to help with bills and essential costs over winter including energy, water bills and food. Pensioners and others struggling to heat their homes or afford other essential items should contact their local council to see what support may be available.
- You may be able to get free or cheaper insulation to reduce your home’s energy bills through the Great British Insulation Scheme. It is designed to deliver improvements to the least energy-efficient homes. As well as supporting low-income and vulnerable households, it is also available to those living in homes with an Energy Performance Certificate rating of D-G, and within Council Tax bands A-D in England. You can be a homeowner, tenant or landlord, and you can apply on the government website.