Winter Wellbeing for Over 60s: What You Really Need to Know

Jess Bantock
Jan 8
5 min read

At South Devon Care Services, we've supported older people through many winters. We've learned that the most helpful advice isn't always the most obvious – so we've put together some genuinely useful information that could make a real difference this winter.

The Vitamin D Issue Nobody Talks About Enough

Here's something many people don't realise: the NHS recommends that everyone in the UK take 10 micrograms (400 IU) of vitamin D daily from October to March – and for older adults who spend most of their time indoors, this applies year-round.

Why does this matter? Vitamin D deficiency is strongly linked to muscle weakness in older adults, which can manifest as heaviness in the legs and difficulty standing up or climbing stairs. This isn't just about bone health – weakened muscles combined with lower bone density significantly increases your risk of falls and fractures.

The tricky part is that the signs of low vitamin D are often subtle and easily confused with other conditions – fatigue, aching muscles, and low mood can all be symptoms. If you've been feeling unusually tired or weak this winter, it's worth asking your GP about checking your vitamin D levels.

Vitamin D supplements are inexpensive and widely available from pharmacies. It's a simple step that could make a significant difference to how you feel.

Vaccinations You Might Not Know About

Most people know about the flu jab, but there are several other vaccinations available to older adults that are less widely discussed:

The Shingles Vaccine: If you're aged 65 or 70, you're eligible for the shingles vaccine. If you're aged 70-79 and haven't been offered one, speak to your GP – you're entitled to it. Interestingly, recent research suggests the newer shingles vaccine may be associated with a reduced risk of dementia.

The Pneumococcal Vaccine: This is a one-off jab that helps protect against pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis. Ask your GP about it if you're aged 65 and over and haven't had one.

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Vaccine: This is newer to the NHS programme. You're eligible if you're 75 or will turn 75 this year. Early evidence indicates it has already reduced hospital admissions by approximately 30% among vaccinated older adults.

You can have the flu vaccine at the same time as other vaccines such as the COVID-19 and shingles vaccines. If you're due several, ask about getting them together to save trips.

Falls: The Real Risks and What Actually Helps

Around 1 in 3 adults over 65 will experience at least one fall each year, and the risk increases in colder months. Here are some practical steps that genuinely reduce risk:

Check your slippers. This might sound trivial, but unsuitable and misshapen slippers contribute to falls in older people. Look for slippers that support your heel and have good grip underneath – not 'sloppy' slip-ons.

Get your walking stick checked. If you use a walking stick, check the base to make sure it's not worn. You should be able to get a 'walking stick MOT' free of charge in your local area – ask at your GP surgery.

Ask about a falls risk assessment. If you've had a fall or started to feel unsteady, tell your doctor – even if you feel fine otherwise. They may refer you for a falls risk assessment and create an action plan for your individual needs.

Review your medications. Some prescribed medications can cause dizziness. You should have a medication review at least once a year at your GP practice or local pharmacy, particularly if you've experienced any giddiness.

Consider a personal alarm. If you're worried about what might happen if you fall, telecare technology can help put your mind at ease. A pendant alarm lets you call for help at the press of a button.

Keeping Warm Safely

We know that heating costs are a real worry for many people. There's no easy answer, but there are some practical steps that can help:

Know the safe temperature. The World Health Organization recommends a minimum of 18°C for older people. A simple wall thermometer can help you check you're keeping warm enough.

Heat the person, not just the room. Layering clothing, using blankets and hot water bottles can reduce how much heating you need. Modern thermal underwear is comfortable and makes a real difference.

Check you're getting all the help available. The Winter Fuel Payment, Cold Weather Payment and Warm Home Discount are there to help. Age UK (0800 678 1602) can check what you're entitled to – many people don't claim everything they're eligible for.

Recognising Hypothermia: The Signs Families Should Know

This is important information for anyone looking after an older relative. Hypothermia affects the brain and makes it difficult to think clearly, so people may not realise they need help.

Even homes at 60 to 65°F (15-18°C) can trigger hypothermia in older adults. It doesn't require extreme cold.

Early warning signs include:

Exhaustion, confusion or memory loss (these begin gradually)
Shivering (though this may stop as hypothermia progresses – actually a bad sign)
Slurred speech
Cold, pale skin and unusual lethargy

Hypothermia is a medical emergency. If someone is showing these signs, call 999 right away. Move the person somewhere warmer, offer a warm (not hot) drink, and wrap them in dry blankets.

Loneliness: A Hidden Health Risk

More than 2 million people in England over 75 live alone, and more than a million older people go over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member.

If getting out feels difficult, there are services that can help:

The Silver Line (0800 4 70 80 90) – available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for a chat or advice.

Age UK's advice line (0800 678 1602) – can help with practical matters and point you towards local befriending services.

Ask your GP about social prescribing. Many surgeries now have social prescribers who can connect you with local groups and activities – it's not just about medical problems.

When Winter Highlights That Things Are Getting Harder

For some older people, winter brings home the reality that managing alone is becoming difficult. Perhaps the house feels too big to heat, the isolation weighs heavily, or worry about slipping on icy paths becomes overwhelming.

If this sounds familiar, it might be worth exploring options like supported accommodation. This isn't about giving up independence – quite the opposite. Many people find that moving to sheltered accommodation in Devon actually gives them more freedom, not less.

At our south devon supported living communities, residents tell us they feel safer, warmer, and more connected than they did struggling alone at home. The worry lifts – for them and for their families.