LAST winter brought on the deaths of more than 25,000 elderly people, according to official figures.
Compared to the average non-winter month there were 23,900 more deaths in England and Wales than the average winter month, including 19,200 among those aged 75 and over.
If added to figures for Northern Ireland and Scotland, the toll comes to 294 more deaths than the previous year's total of 25,393.
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Many older people are on low fixed incomes and dread the onset of cold weather during winter as it means their bills shoot up.
They often cut back on heating because they are from a generation that likes to keep their spending within their means - even if it means being cold.
But with a few simple, cost effective measures, they can keep their bills to manageable levels and keep warm at the same time.
Gareth Evans, chief officer of Bolton's Age Concern said: "Age Concern Bolton can provide essential information on preparing for winter to ensure older people are warm and safe during the cold months.
"We advise that the home should be heated efficiently. Prepare your home for winter - preventative measures will help avoid damage to the property."
He advises the elderly to make sure they have adequate home contents insurance - enough to cover you for loss or damage to your home, including frozen pipes and other damage."
Mr Evans said: "To help people plan for the winter months Age Concern Bolton will be issuing a FREE NHS winter guide Keep Warm Keep Well'.
"The guide offers simple and practical advice on heating the home, information on help with paying bills and home improvement grants.
"What you eat and drink, and the exercise you take, can make a big difference. Wearing the right clothes is also very important.
"Wear several layers of clothes - this traps body heat better than one thick layer. Clothes made from wool, cotton, or fleecy synthetic fibres are best and in cold weather make sure you keep warm in bed at night.
"For outdoors wear several thinner layers of clothing under your coat, rather than one thick layer."
John Starr, also of Age Concern Bolton, said Age Concern offers its own insurance policy tailored to meet the needs of older people: "Our awareness campaign seeks to give advice and assistance to ensure that older people have the information to prepare themselves for the coming months.
"Unwanted claims caused by cold weather and storm damage during the winter months could be avoided if a few low cost and straight forward preventative measures had been taken before extreme weather sets in."
Paul Cann, of Help the Aged, added: "These mortality figures are nothing short of a national scandal.
"It's obscene that in this day and age more than 25,000 people aged 65 and over in the UK are allowed to die from the cold. Until fuel poverty is eradicated, older people's lives will continue to hang in the balance."
Help the Aged and Age Concern want a review of the winter fuel payments which provide £200 for each household that has a member aged 60 and over, and £300 where there is a person aged 80 and over.
The average fuel bill has risen from £572 in 2003, when the payments system was established, to £924 today, while pension increases have lagged way behind.
Gordon Lishman, also of Age Concern, said cold related illnesses such as pneumonia and bronchitis were contributing to many excess deaths among pensioners.
He added: "We know many older people feel they need to cut back on their heating to reduce their bill, yet this could be putting their health at risk. Older people shouldn't have to worry about health versus wealth."
Top Tips to keep warm include:
l Keep a constant temperature of 21C (70F) in all rooms. If this is not possible, keep one room warm and pre-heat the bedroom and bed before going to bed
l Use draught excluders and keep curtains closed. Do not block up air vents as fuel burning appliances need fresh air to burn safely
l Make sure you have a hot drink and food during the day and take a little exercise
l Heat up your bed and bedroom before you retire for the night and wear warm bedclothes in bed.
Age Concern will be giving out information on Energy product which has been developed in conjunction with Powergen to provide older people, often on low incomes, with better value Gas and Electric.
In addition, those who switch to Powergen will benefit from cold weather payments, free energy efficiency advice, free early warning hypothermia thermometer, carbon monoxide detector and energy efficient lightbulbs, clearer bills, face to face advice and information.
Useful Contacts
For further information about the Get Ready for Winter week, please contact John Starr on 01204 382 411or drop by your local Age Concern 72/74 Ashburner Street, Bolton.
Age Concern Information Line: 0800 00 99 66 or visit www.ageconcern.org.uk
Help the Aged Senior Line for advice on welfare and disability benefits, residential and community care issues: 0808 800 6565.
WRVS 029 2073 9000 or visit www.wrvs.org.uk
For further information on keeping warm and well in winter visit www.direct.gov.uk and go to keepwarmkeepwell
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