Stay cool in summer
With temperatures set to rise, make sure you look after your health and minimise the risks of excessive heat.
Dr James Goodwin, Head of Research at Help the Aged, says: 'Older people who are frail, have mobility problems or heart conditions are most at risk.
'The risks are also greater for older people who live alone, with no-one to look out for them. We urge everyone to make sure their older neighbours or relatives are cared for in the hot weather.'
Contact a doctor if you are worried about your health during a heatwave.
Even healthy older people need to be aware of the risks associated with hot weather. As we age, we sweat less and are therefore less able to regulate our body temperature.
It's vital to eat well to maintain salt intake and to drink lots of water. Prolonged exposure to heat can raise the risks of heart attack and stroke.
Stay cool in summer
| Going out |
| Avoid going out in the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm). |
| If you must go out, stay in the shade. |
| Keep outdoor activity such as gardening for cooler parts of the day like early morning or in the evening. |
| Wear a hat and loose-fitting clothes if you go out. |
| Carry a bottle of water everywhere you go, especially if travelling in a car or bus. |
| Staying in |
| Close the curtains in rooms with a lot of sun. |
| Keep windows open when it gets warm inside and at night for ventilation. |
| Splash yourself several times a day with cold water, especially your face and back of your neck. |
| Drink lots of water and fruit juice, even if you don't feel thirsty and avoid alcohol. |
Looking after your home
Remember basic home security measures during the current hot weather.
Although cool and comfortable sleeping conditions are desirable in hot weather, ground floor windows should not be left open when you leave the house or are in bed.
