Winter MOT

The Ageing Well With SCI Guide to Weathering the Winter...

As the days get chillier and the chance of finding frost on car windows in the morning increases, there is no ignoring the fact that winter is well and truly on its way. We all know that we need to wrap up warmer and be prepared for the colder weather conditions but here are a few other points to remember to help stay healthy and happy this winter.

Get your flu jab.
More information

Keep up with medical check-ups

Make sure you get enough exercise

Make sure you eat properly. Your five fruit and vegetable serves a day are always important but particularly so at this time of year . Delicious hot food, like soups and stews are not just wonderfully comforting, but a fantastic way to get your "Five A Day".

Stay happy. As the evening gets darker and the weather less friendly, it's easy to find yourself not wanting to venture out. It’s important not to get stuck in a rut. Seeing family and friends is important for self esteem and well-being

SAD. For some people staying happy and positive in the winter months is more difficult. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a biochemical imbalance that causes suffers to get depressed during the winter months. This can range from a mild case of the “winter blues” to a debilitating depression that needs medical treatment. If you think you may be affected by SAD then the Seasonal Affective Disorder Association can help.

Keep warm, keep safe. Fires, hot water bottles and electric blankets are great ways to keep toasty warm but they can also be a fire hazard. Make sure your gas and electrical heating equipment is in good working order. Be sure to read the guide on keeping warm and safe.

Winter payments. Because it is expensive to keep your house heated over the winter months, financial support is available to help you cope with these costs. To find out more visit the Age UK website.