Communities asked to support older people across Wales during severe heat warning
With a rare, red warning for extreme heat issued across parts of Wales, Age Cymru is calling on friends and family to check in on and support older people who may be particularly at risk.
Victoria Lloyd, CEO of Age Cymru said: “While historically, warmer weather has been an exciting prospect for many people across the country, heatwaves can have a troubling impact on older people, as many often don’t realise they’re overheating until they’re already unwell.
“With the combination of more of us living into older age, a stretched NHS and record temperatures being achieved year-after-year, the risks are becoming more and more serious.
“At Age Cymru we want older people to enjoy the sunshine while also taking care, and it’s those living with long-term health conditions affecting the heart, lungs or kidneys who are most at risk.
“With a rare red warning meaning a high risk to life, we’re urging the public to check in on older neighbours and relatives to see if they need anything or are struggling with the heat. Offering to pick up shopping or medication, or even lending a fan, can make a real difference.
“It may seem obvious, but when temperatures are really high there are some simple precautions that those most at risk can take to stay safe, such as staying out of direct sunlight, drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, and planning activities like walking, shopping or gardening for earlier or later in the day, outside the hottest hours between 11am and 3pm.
“Many of our homes are not designed for extreme heat, so it’s important to do what we can to keep cool air in and hot air out. It’s best to keep windows and curtains closed during the day, and then open windows at night when temperatures are cooler.”
Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health, Nerys Evans, said: "This extreme heat is a serious public health matter, and I want to be clear: checking in on an older neighbour, a family member or a friend could genuinely save a life. Nobody should suffer alone in dangerous temperatures.
"The Welsh Government is working closely with Public Health Wales and partners like Age Cymru to make sure people have the information they need to stay safe. But community action matters just as much as official guidance. I'm asking everyone across Wales to take a few moments today to look out for those around them - a knock at the door or a quick phone call could make all the difference.
"If you or someone you know feels unwell in the heat, move to a cool place, drink water and call NHS 111 for advice. In an emergency, always call 999."
Age Cymru has advice on its website for how to support older people during a heatwave, and you can read it at www.agecymru.wales or call 0300 303 44 98.