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Getting through winter
By Ruby Harfield
Dealing with Covid-19, rising living costs, general illness and colder temperatures may make winter a difficult time for people, especially the vulnerable elderly.
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he Ministry of Health says the colder months are traditionally a time when there is more sickness in the general population as well as thousands of active Covid-19 cases and a low risk of reinfection for those who have recovered. NIWA is predicting temperatures to be near or above average over winter for the majority of the country, but temperatures will still be cold enough that older people will be at risk of becoming ill. Add Covid-19 and the mental health issues associated with this there are concerns about how older people are going to cope. University of Auckland professor of General Practice and Primary Health Care and Joyce Cook chair in Ageing Well, Dr Ngaire Kerse, said winter will see a rise in Covid-19 cases because people are indoors more. There are also two new variants coming which are more transmissible. “Winter is a relatively more difficult time for older people as in general their social networks and physical activity are slightly less. Of course this is quite variable. “Over the last two years older people have been careful, for those in aged residential care they had had very restricted social connections and the families had difficulty visiting.” There have also been many restrictions to activities in aged care facilities and retirement villages. “While it is true that the older generations are more likely to be impacted by Covid, they have the highest vaccination rates, and are boosted.” But there have been many other viruses making the rounds and are expected to be prominent over winter with borders opening. This winter may also be a lonely time for older people, she said. “During the first lockdown everyone was in lock down so that the older isolated people got a lot of attention from family. “Now everyone has had to back to work the older people are still sometimes restricted, but the families don’t have time to visit. “The rest of society has already opened up and thus older people have been left behind.” Age Concern New Zealand Health Promotion and Policy manager Joanne Reid said many older people are concerned at the increased risk of catching Covid-19 in winter
with restrictions having been reduced. “Some older New Zealanders are coping really well but others are finding it very hard, mentally and physically. Some are feeling more anxious and less connected to others. “We all need to be kind and considerate; think about how to protect others who may be vulnerable or at risk of severe illness.” To give older people the best protection it is important to be fully vaccinated and boosted against Covid-19, she said. The Ministry of Health website says a person is significantly less likely to be severely sick, hospitalised or die if vaccinated, especially following the third (booster) dose. Vaccination also protects people against becoming infected and transmitting the virus to others. Good hygiene practices, such as hand taining physical distancing washing, main ntaining and wearing fa acemasks can also help protect older lloved ones, Reid said. “Meet up outdoors if possible, or if iindoors try and have good g ventilation, for example, open n windows. “Offer to drop off groceries, medications and other essentials.” i She said it is best not to visit older whānau and friends if unweell but keep in contacct via phone, email or o text. “We want to see all older New Zealandeers in a safe, warm, healthy home and be in the best health to enjoy our upcoming winter season.” Covid is not the only issue this winter – there’s concern over rising living costs, including mortgage rates, rents, food and petrol that will make paying for heating even more of a challenge, Reid said. “Many will go cold because they cannot afford to heat their home.” There is a lot of support available for people to keep themselves healthy this winter including the Winter Energy Payment
ABOVE: Age Concern offers support for older people. INSET BELOW: University of Auckland professor of General Practice and Primary Health Care and Joyce Cook chair in Ageing Well, Dr Ngaire Kerse. INSET BOTTOM: The Mental Health Foundation chief executive Shaun Robinson. Photos/Supplied for superannuiants p This is paid automaticcally from May 1 to October O 1 each yea ar. “This payment helps people keep theirr homes warmer d and
healthier over o winter.” w For ouples co o getttting NZ Super or the Veeteran’s Pension n, the Winter Energy Payment is paid to ause the one person, beca p y y payment system can’t split it across two accounts. Seniors heading overseas over the winter months can keep getting Winter Energy Payment for up to 28 days while they’re away. Superannuants may be able to get an advance on their New Zealand Super for oneoff heating costs. Reid recommends exploring whether insulation or heating in your home could be improved. “The Warmer Kiwi Homes Programme
may be able to cover much of the cost of insulatio on or heating.” Commun nity Energy Network can connect you to organisations offeriing information and d advice on household en nergy n efficiency, she sa aid. a Some ommunities co ave curtain ha a anks that ba a recycle used curta ains and provid de them free of charge to members of the comm munity who wise afford couldn’t otherw them. Foundation said The Mental Health Foun there are many things that can impact mental health in older people. Chief executive Shaun Robinson said some of these include isolation (such as the lack of connections due to Covid-19), declining physical health, grief at loss of a partner and retiring from work. “Lack of mobility can limit the experiences you have as an older person, it’s harder to leave home and contact with other people may fall away. “Retiring from work may make it hard to fill in your day, so it’s important to make a plan ahead of retiring and think about how you can best use the spare time you have.” People should stay connected to older family and friends even if it doesn’t always feel like it’s appreciated, he said. “It’s important to be in touch regularly to ensure they are keeping good health. “Sort a phone tree, so the responsibility doesn’t fall on one person alone. Suggest going out for meals, offer to clean the house, do something active with your older friend.
