Keeping warm keeps you well

The temperature and humidity of your home are vital to your wellbeing.

The World Health Organisation recommends your home be at least 21 degrees and dry (between 30 and 70% humidity).

Research shows that older people spend up to 90% of their time indoors. Cold, damp homes and moving between warm and cold rooms puts you at risk of illness.

If your home is:

• Less than 16°C –the risk of respiratory illness increases
• Less than 12°C –the risk of stroke and heart attack increases
• Less than 5°C– the risk of hypothermia increases

Low temperatures: 

• Weaken the immune system
• Impair mobility
• Increase the risk of falls

By keeping your home warm instead of curling up with a blanket, you are maintaining your strength and balance and decreasing the risk of falls.

Comment

We know that many older people can't afford to heat their homes to safe levels. The failed electricity market and out-of-control price rises are putting their health at risk.

> READ MORE on energy poverty.

Your local Age Concern can provide information on heating and insulation funding schemes and tips for saving energy.

Thanks to Age Concern Otago which developed this resource for South Island Age Concerns.