Getting through winter

Getting through winter ByRuby Harfield

Dealing with Covid-19, rising livingcosts, general illness andcoldertemperatures may make wintera difficult timefor people, especially the vulnerable elderly.

The Ministry of Health says thecolder months are traditionallya time when there is more sickness in thegeneral populationaswell as thousandsofactive Covid-19cases anda low risk ofreinfection for those who haverecovered.

NIWA is predictingtemperaturestobe near or above average over winterfor the majority of thecountry,buttemperatures will still becoldenough that olderpeople will be atrisk of becoming ill.

Add Covid-19 and the mental health issues associated with this there areconcerns about how older people are goingtocope.

University ofAuckland professor of General Practice and Primary Health Care and Joyce Cook chair inAgeingWell, Dr Ngaire Kerse, saidwinter will see a rise inCovid-19 cases because people are indoors more.

There arealso two newvariants coming which are more transmissible.

“Winter isa relatively more difficult time for older people as ingeneral their social networks and physical activity are slightly less. Ofcourse this isquite variable.

“Over thelast two years older peoplehave beencareful,for those in agedresidential carethey had had very restricted social connections and thefamilies had difficulty visiting.”

There have also been manyrestrictions toactivities in agedcarefacilities and retirement villages.

“While it is true that the oldergenerations are more likelytobe impacted by Covid, they have the highest vaccinationrates, and are boosted.”

But there have been manyother viruses making theroundsand are expected to be prominent over winter withborders opening.

This winter may also bea lonely timefor older people,shesaid.

“During the firstlockdown everyonewas in lock down so that the older isolated people got a lotofattention from family.

“Now everyone has hadto backto work the older people are still sometimes restricted, but thefamilies don’t have time tovisit.

“Therestof society has already opened up and thus older people have been leftbehind.”

Age Concern New ZealandHealth Promotion andPolicymanager JoanneReid said many older people are concernedatthe increased risk ofcatching Covid-19 in winter withrestrictionshaving beenreduced.

“Some older NewZealanders are coping really well butothers are finding itvery hard, mentally and physically. Some are feeling more anxious and lessconnected to others.

“We all needtobe kind and considerate; think about howtoprotect others who may be vulnerable oratrisk of severe illness.”

Togive older people the best protection it is importanttobe fully vaccinated and boosted against Covid-19, she said.

The Ministry of Health website says a person is significantly less likelyto be severely sick, hospitalised or die if vaccinated, especiallyfollowing the third (booster) dose.Vaccination also protects people against becoming infected and transmitting the virustoothers.

Good hygiene practices, such as hand washing, maintainingphysicaldistancing and wearing fa protect older l said.

“Meet up o possible, or ifi try and haveg ventilation,fo example, open windows.

“Offer todrop off groceries, medications andother essentials.”

She said iti best nottovis older whānau friends if unwe keep incontac phone, emailo

“We want t NewZealande healthy homeandbeinthebesthealth toenjoy our upcoming winter season.”

Covid is not the only issue thiswinter – there’s concern over rising livingcosts, including mortgagerates,rents,food and petrol that will make payingfor heating even more of a challenge,Reidsaid.

“Many willgocold because theycannot afford to heat their home.”

There is a lotof support availablefor peopletokeepthemselves healthy this winter including the Winter EnergyPayment for supera

This isp automatic May1 toO 1 eachyea

“This payment helps people keep their r homes warmer d

healthier over winter.” For ouples tting NZ er or eteran’s n, the ergy aid to ause the p y y split it across two accounts.

Seniors heading overseas over the winter monthscan keepgetting Winter Energy Paymentfor up to 28 days while they’reaway.

Superannuants may be ableto get an advance on theirNew Zealand Super for oneoffheatingcosts.

Reidrecommendsexploring whether insulation or heating in your homecould be improved.

“TheWarmer Kiwi Homes Programme

much of the on or heating.” nity Energy can connect organisations ing information dadvice on usehold nergy fficiency,she aid.

Some ommunities ave curtain anks that ycle used ains and de them free e to members munity who wise afford

TheMentalHealthFoundation said there aremany things that can impact mental health in older people.

Chiefexecutive Shaun Robinson said some of these include isolation (such as the lack ofconnections duetoCovid-19), declining physical health, griefatloss of a partner andretiring from work.

“Lack of mobilitycan limittheexperiences you have as an olderperson, it’s harder to leave home andcontact withother people mayfall away.

“Retiring from work may make it hard to fill in your day, so it’s importanttomake a plan ahead ofretiring and think about how youcan best usethespare timeyou have.”

People shouldstayconnected to older family and friends even if it doesn’t always feel like it’s appreciated,he said.

“It’s importanttobe intouch regularlyto ensure they arekeeping good health.

“Sorta phone tree, so theresponsibility doesn’tfall on one person alone. Suggest going outfor meals, offertoclean the house, do something active with your older friend.

ntainingphysicaldistancing acemaskscan also help loved ones,Reid utdoors if indoors good r is it and ell but t via or text. o see all older ers ina safe,warm, in alth ABOVE: Age Concern offers supportfor older people. INSET BELOW: University ofAuckland professor ofGeneral Practice and Primary Health Care and Joyce Cook chair in Ageing Well, Dr Ngaire Kerse. INSET BOTTOM: The Mental HealthFoundation chiefexecutive ShaunRobinson. Photos/Supplied

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may be abletocover costof insulati Commu Network you to offeri an ho e e s co ha ba rec curt provid of charg of thecom couldn’totherw them. TheMentalHealthFoun

“Get young childrentowrite acardand deliver it.”

Aspeople age they should also visit their GPtoensure thereare no physical or mental health issues.

“Theearliera health professional knows what you’regoing through and treatment begins, the better your chancesofrecovery anda returntoyour usual enjoyment of life.

“Many older people andkaumātua experience depression and itcan be a risk factorfor suicide,yet it oftengoesundetected and untreated.

“Depression is more than ‘feeling blue’ or being ‘in the doldrums’ fora short while.”

Depression means persistent and ongoing unhappiness, he said.

“Changing environments offer up opportunity but also add risktoyour wellbeing.

“Moving into a placewithother peoplecan helpforge new friendships and opportunity to attend organised events.

“Equally thiscould impact on some people moving from their everyday activities and routine.”

When deciding whethertomove into a retirement village, it is importanttocheck how close public transportwould be to your new home,also how close isa convenience store or a local mall where youcan go for a morningteaorwalk out of therain.

The Mental HealthFoundation’swebsite has manyresources to help.

Age Concern’sadvice to protect yourself this winter:

• Have the fluvaccination which is free for over 65s. • Eat lotsof fruit and vegetables to protect against colds and flu. • Dresswarmly withlayers even if you’re staying home. Put ona hat and scarf to keepwarm, you losea lotof body heat when yourhead and neckare uncovered. • Wear thermals in bed underpyjamas and useextra bedding. • Adry home isa healthy home soreduce the causes of humidity if possible. • Unfluedgas heaters should be avoided as they increasecondensation and mould. • Make sure your house is not losing heat through windows and doors, close blinds and curtains late afternoon/early evening. Close up unused fireplaces, get yourwindowschecked and have draught stopping work done. The Smarter Homes website (www.smarterhomes.org.nz) has good tipsfor draughtstopping.Your local

Age Concern may be abletosuggest a reliable handyman. • Youcan make your own draught snakes bystuffing long socks orpantyhose with newspaper or cushion filling. • During thecold weathermany hours may be spent indoors. Movingabout as much as possible will helptokeep you well.

Eating well andkeeping in touch with friends are also vitalfor wellbeing. • Make informed choices about where you goand howmuch you mix socially.

Anyone needing helpcan call their local Age Concern on 0800 652 105 or find out more on ourwebsite www.ageconcern.org.nz. Age Concern offers supportfor older people. Photos/Supplied