Older People at Risk from High Summer Temperatures - 16.06.06

Today, IndependentAge, the national charity championing independence for older people, is reminding older people to keep cool whilst temperatures soar. 

Older members of the community are at risk from high summer temperatures and it is vital that people take care of themselves and keep an eye on one another even during mild heatwaves.  

IndependentAge Chief Executive Jonathan Powell said:  "The summer sun seems to have finally arrived.  Whilst it's great to enjoy this lovely warm weather, we must not underestimate the dangers of over-heating.  The Department of Health has published guidance on how to keep cool and we urge people to follow the advice and keep out of the heat as much as possible.  If you are going away, ask a friend or neighbour to check on people who you know are living on their own.”

Advice on staying cool includes:
•Keep out of the heat where possible.
•If you must go out stay in the shade and wear a hat and light loose fitting clothing.
•Stay in the coolest rooms of your home and keep the curtains closed in rooms that get a lot of sun.
•Take cool showers or baths.
•Keep your fluids up by drinking water or fruit juice regularly and avoid alcohol, tea and coffee.

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For an interview with an IndependentAge representative please contact Iona Jane McGilchrist on 020 7287 0652 or email: iona-jane@keenepa.co.uk  

Notes to Editors:
1. In 2003 thousands of older people across Europe died as a result of extreme summer temperatures.  In the UK alone it is estimated that there were almost 2,000 deaths above the average mortality rate during the heat wave in August.  See Health Statistics Quarterly, No. 25, Spring 2005: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/downloads/theme_health/HSQ25.pdf