In colder weather our older people suffer more from the cold. Heating bills are continually on the rise and pensioners who are already working within a tight budget are often reluctant to turn the heating up. There are some ways to keep a house toasty warm without breaking the bank.
<h2>Keep it Out</h2>
Keep the cold from penetrating into the house by making sure that windows and doors are shut tightly and firmly latched. Any gaps in the door or window seals can be fairly easily fixed, either with a new replacement seal or by stuffing the cracks with fabric scraps, newspaper or even tape. When it is particularly cold outside draw the curtains tightly to trap the layer of cold that always seems to permeate the glass. Closing all the interior doors is another way to keep as much heat as possible inside, where it will do some good.
<h2>Heat up Your Insides</h2>
Be sure to eat hot meals and sip on hot beverages or soups and broths. Putting heat inside the body is an excellent way to keep warm; and it’s tasty too! Ageuk.org.uk suggests that baking or cooking is a good way to inject some heat into the house, as the hot air from the oven makes its way through the house, along with lovely tempting smells.
<h2>Wrap and Wrap and Wrap</h2>
Do not wear just the one thick layer. Apart from simply padding you out, this is not an efficient method of retaining body heat. Rather, wear several thinner layers of clothing that will trap more heat in between the layers as well as against the skin. Wearing many layers also makes it possible to be more comfortable as any fluctuations in temperature or activity can easily be adapted to according to wikihow.com.
<h2>Something Underfoot? </h2>
Put down carpets or rugs, especially on top of stone or concrete floors. Wooden floors do hold heat better, but can still feel very cold in winter and can greatly add to discomfort. A rug just under the feet can work wonders as far as heat retention goes.
<h2>Light a Candle</h2>
Candles are very small fires, literally just one flame, but they can generate a useful amount of heat, enough to make the difference between a deep chill and simply being a bit chilly. Candles, or candle heaters, are also useful in drying any dampness out of the air; this alone can make the difference to the feel of the room. Another benefit is purely psychological – the light and heat generated by even such a small fire makes us feel safe and more cheerful! Frugaliving.about.com advises purchasing decorative or scented candles when they are on special to enjoy the beauty and fragrance, while benefitting from the warmth.
<h2>Keep It Up, Two Three Four! </h2>
Exercise literally warms the body – top racehorses never suffer from frozen water in their troughs, even in the dead of winter because of the immense amount of heat the animals generate! The same principle applies to the human body and performing moderate to vigorous exercise for at least 20 minutes per day will boost the metabolism, burning more calories and keeping the body warm. There are a wide range of exercises available, some aimed at the very fit, and others designed towards those with limited mobility, fitness and agility. An excellent side effect of exercising, apart from being physically fitter is the boost to the immune system and general health. Exercise also acts as a mood enhancer, banishing depression and gloominess and leaving a happier, more optimistic frame of mind.
<h2>Snuggle! </h2>
Body heated shared is body heat doubled, so indulge yourself with a quick cuddle, either with a partner or furry pet. If you have no-one handy, invest in a hot-water bottle, heating pad or electric blanket and enjoy snuggling on the sofa for a while!
Sadly, many older people pass away from allowing themselves to become too cold. Many do not realise how cold they are getting and hypothermia strikes insidiously. If you ever become so cold that you stop shivering, please do take that as a very serious warning sign – shivering is your body’s way of trying to warm up and when it stops it essentially means that the body has given up the task, and that the situation is nearly at the point of no return. Following the above tips should go a long way to alleviating the discomfort that cold weather brings with it, and if they do not, then maybe it is time to turn the heating on, even if only for a short while!