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- Independent Age launches ‘Summer wise’ guide to help older people stay safe in hot weather –
With summer upon us, large sections of the public are underestimating the dangers posed by even ‘UK-level’ heat, a new survey by older people’s charity Independent Age has discovered. The poll, released to mark the launch of the charity’s Summer wise guide, found that almost three-quarters (71%) of people were not aware that heat-related deaths can start at temperatures as low as 25C.
The Independent Age poll of 2,008 UK adults, carried out by Opinium, also revealed a lack of knowledge around skin protection, with nearly half (49%) of respondents not realising that sunscreen needs to be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure, and again just before going out.
This figure was even higher in people aged over 75 – at 59% – despite this age group being particularly vulnerable to skin damage from the sun.
Independent Age’s free Summer wise guide has been launched to provide accurate advice about how to enjoy the summer while staying healthy and safe.
Lucy Harmer, Director of Services at Independent Age, said that the hotter weather shouldn’t stop older people from getting out and enjoying the summer, but it was important to be aware of the increased health risks.
“While we might think of the UK as having a very mild summer, the reality is that summer temperatures can regularly rise high enough to cause health problems, especially for older people and those with long-term health conditions,” she said.
“Dehydration, heat exhaustion, or skin damage from the sun can be extremely serious, and older people are particularly at risk. Many visits to hospital for heat-related illness can be avoided by taking some simple steps, like staying hydrated, dressing sensibly, and keeping your home cool.
“Our new Summer wise guide is completely free and packed with tips on coping with the summer heat. I’d encourage everyone to order or download a copy, either for themselves or a family member or friend.”
Other key findings of the Independent Age poll carried out by Opinium include:
Last year’s summer was the joint hottest on record, with large numbers of people hospitalised due to dehydration of heatstroke . The ONS consistently recorded more deaths than average during periods of hot weather – including 649 more deaths than the five-year average in the two-week period from 27 July, when temperatures soared above 30C . And temperatures are likely to be just as high this year, with the Met Office’s long-range forecast for 2019 suggesting close to record warmth this year .
Summer wise includes information about keeping living areas cool, hydration, medications, and a checklist to get your home ready. It is free to order and download from www.independentage.org/summer-wise, or can be ordered for free by calling 0800 319 6789.
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