Eldder care experts are warning that OAPs are facing the deadliest winter for more than 40 years – and outlined the warning signs for friends and relatives that they may be struggling. Spiralling food and fuel prices are making the cost of living crisis a major threat to the health and wellbeing of millions of Brits.
And it is the elderly who are set to suffer most, with fixed pension payments meaning they will have to choose between heating and eating. According to Age UK, more than a quarter of a million older people have died from the cold over the past decade.
That equates to one every seven minutes, with plunging temperatures and poorly insulated homes highlighted as among the key causes. Sandra Lounamaa, co-founder of elderly care subscription service Gubbe, wants to raise awareness of the signs that your older relative or neighbour is struggling mentally and physically.
She said: “The energy crisis means this winter will be a particularly tough and frightening time for millions of older people in the UK. They will have to try to make ends meet, which can be almost impossible on modest pensions.
“So leaving the house and socialising might be the last thing on their minds as they decide whether to eat or heat their homes. This can obviously increase loneliness and accelerate mental health issues, on top of the physical illnesses that can occur in later life, especially in colder months.”
Gubbe provides relatives with the chance to pay for local young people to pair with their elderly family members. Sandra believes having a regular visitor or companion can help tackle some of the issues the elderly generation face. It could also highlight the warning signs their mental or physical wellness is taking a hit.
She said: “We can’t make the cost-of-living crisis go away, but we think investing in care for your elderly relatives is so important in these uncertain times. Many elderly people come from a generation where it wasn’t common to speak about mental health or to complain about illnesses which can make it harder for loved ones to know if they are struggling.”
Here are the warning signs Gubbe think you should be looking out for:
Coughing, runny nose and sore throat
Sandra said: “The common cold or flu can be dangerous for an older person, and contracting a cold could be a sign that they are not giving their bodies the right nutrients, or they are too exposed to cold conditions.
“Mortality rates increase during colder temperature due to an increase in heart attacks, stroke, respiratory disease (including Covid), flu, falls and hypothermia.”
Confusion and disorientation
“Sudden confusion and disorientation can be caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI), a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA, or a ‘mini stroke’) or a head injury – but there are many other causes too, including dementia,” said Sandra.
“If an elderly person doesn’t know their own name, the date or where they are, it’s advised to seek medical attention right away.”
Weight loss
Sandra said: “Sudden weight loss or lack of appetite could be a symptom of serious diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
“Both under and overeating can be symptoms of depression and other mental illnesses.”
Social withdrawal
“Going out less, a lack of interest in hobbies and pastimes they used to enjoy and being overall quieter and more distant in conversations can be a symptom of mental illness,” said Gubbe expert Sandra.
Memory loss
Sandra explained: “Often one of the first symptoms of dementia, losing memories can be a scary experience for anyone to go through.
“Memory loss is often tied to depression and short term memory loss can especially impact an elderly person’s life.
Mobility issues
“Walking slower or seeming to struggle to lift everyday objects is another symptom you should look for in an elderly person,” revealed Sandra.
“As we get older our muscle and bone strength can decline which can make going about everyday activities much more difficult.”
Bruising and other signs of injury
Sandra said: “Similarly to mobility issues, seeing bruises, burns or cuts on an older person might be a sign they have been struggling both physically and mentally.
“Touching a stove they forgot was hot, falling over more regularly, or even falling asleep with a hot cup of tea in their hand can cause marks to appear and show that someone might be a danger to themselves.”
