Be a good neighbour during the cold snap
Age Concern and Help the Aged have urged people to be good neighbours during the cold snap.
The Charity is calling on everyone to keep an eye out for older family, friends and neighbours amidst concerns that extreme temperatures could result in a repeat of last year's excess winter mortality 10-year high.
Age Concern and Help the Aged is urging people to keep the festive spirit alive a little longer by making an extra effort to check on older people during the current cold weather.
For many older people protection against the cold can be a matter of life and death, with around three quarters of last year’s excess winter deaths recorded among people aged 75 or older.
Andrew Harrop, Head of Policy at Age Concern and Help the Aged said: ''With around 2.5 million older households living in fuel poverty, many pensioners will be struggling with high energy bills this winter.’
Anyone who is cutting back on basics such as food or heating because they are concerned about high energy bills should call our free helpline on 0800 00 99 66 or contact a local Age Concern for advice on the extra benefits they are entitled to.