Friday 18 December 2009

Keep Warm, Keep Well


The first big snowstorms of the winter have hit the UK, and the Met Office promises worse to come. Older people are especially vulnerable in this weather: icy pavements can lead to falls and broken hips. Arctic winds and plummeting temperatures can cause frostbite, and cold weather combined with lack of proper heating can exacerbate health conditions.

To help, the government has published a booklet titled 'Keep Warm, Keep Well', full of tips to keep healthy and safe during cold weather. Tips include:

  • Have regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day - if possible, eating regularly helps to keep energy levels up during winter
  • Wear several light layers of warm clothes
  • Keep as active as possible
  • Remember to wrap up warm if you need to go outside on cold days

You can learn more from their website by clicking here.

photo by bron from www. sxc.hu.

Monday 14 December 2009

Your holiday messages, keeping spirits bright


Earlier this year, we sent out an appeal on behalf of all of the older people who are lonely over the holidays. Included was a Christmas bauble printed on card with a blank space on the back for people to fill in with their own messages.

Well, you responded. We received baubles in the hundreds, all full of inspiring words of seasonal cheer, and passed them on to people who really appreciate them. At Randell House, one of Independent Age's care homes, some of the residents decorated a tree with them--and one lady even turned a pair into festive earrings!

For the rest of the week, we will be posting some of these messages on twitter. Why not follow us and share these holiday wishes?


Friday 11 December 2009

Carols for Christmas


The Annual Carol Concert, which took place December 10th, was a great success. Beneficiaries, staff and friends of Independent Age gathered at St. Michael's Church in Chester Square, London, for an evening of Carol singing and readings of the Christmas story, followed by mince pies and wine. Seasonal flowers were provided by the London and Overseas branch of the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies (NAFAS), which added to the festive mood.

This year's choral accompaniment was provided by the Tabard Singers, a group who formed at St. Andrews University in the 1970s. They have made two records and appeared on Radio 4 and BBC Local Radio, and performed in venues as diverse as the Purcell Room and the top of
Glastonbury Tor.