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It has been described as a tragedy in some quarters while others call it a national shame. Some people have been quick to point fingers at the government for not doing enough. Why do deaths increase during the winter months amongst the elderly in the UK? The death of the elderly is a tragedy for the families of those affected yet most of the underlying causes have not been well addressed. Majority of those who suffer, the elderly pensioners, are usually of frail health and are greatly affected by extremely low temperatures. Very cold temperatures are known to aggravate underlying medical conditions amongst the elderly. Some of them do not have sufficient income sources and are usually left with the difficult task of deciding whether to feed themselves or get some heating. With high costs of energy and poor insulation in several homes, they remain the most vulnerable during the winter season. Britain, unlike most of its European counterparts who experience severe winter seasons quite frequently, lags behind in home insulation. There are many elderly people who are suffering in silence, too afraid to turn up the heating in winter and on most occasions miss out on the extra winter payments. The fact that most of them live alone makes it very difficult to have someone around to take care of them when they need additional helping hands. Sometimes their cold bodies lay alone in their homes unnoticed for several days. The increase in chest and heart complications among the elderly has been on the increase in the UK during winter and this further indicates the extent of the effects of the cold weather. The cold season also brings with it other health issues such as the flu which has symptoms like congestion, runny nose, sore throat and cough. For people who are elderly and of poor health, it is very likely for them to succumb to such an illness. Mobility among the elderly during winter especially for those who use wheelchairs and walking sticks can be a big challenge. The snow makes it difficult to move around and some of them fall and suffer physical injuries which in some cases can be fatal. Those who do not have care-givers are more vulnerable during these times. Since the weather inhibits movements, some of them do not have access to prescription medications and this may exacerbate their underlying medical conditions. There are some claims that the number of pensioners living in fuel poverty has nearly quadrupled in the last five years. If true then that would explain the high number of winter deaths among the elderly. Some of these risks and complications associated with winter can be avoided when the elderly opt to live in a care home rather than staying in a lonely house. There is always the benefit of having joy that warms the heart because of good company. Loneliness is never good for anybody's health and may cause depression or stress that result in further deterioration of a person's health. Care home bath also provide sufficient heating during winter which comes at a relatively cheaper cost compered to individuals heating their own homes. Professionals employed to take care of the elderly will also see to it that they take their prescription medications and on the same note ensure their personal safety at all times.
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