Weather warnings for snow and ice are in force across the UK.
Multiple yellow national severe weather warnings for snow and ice are in force (Image: Getty)
Anyone over the age of 55 is urged to follow a ‘winter meal rule’ in January as a bout of cold weather strikes the UK. Multiple yellow national severe weather warnings for snow and ice have been issued by the Met Office as Arctic air brings a prolonged spell of freezing weather to the country for the start of the new year.
The warnings affect parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and central and southern England from Saturday, January 3, until Tuesday, January 6, with temperatures forecast to be well below average. The national forecaster has warned households to brace for widespread frost and ice, and an increasing risk of snow showers, with the conditions making travel hazardous over the coming days.
The weather warnings coincide with amber cold health alerts issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for all of England until January 6.
With the country facing bitterly cold conditions, those aged over 55 are urged to take measures to protect against the freezing conditions as colder temperatures can become harder on the body as we get older.
According to the Met Office, from around the age of 55 we lose around 1% of our muscle mass every year and while this may not sound like much, it does mean our bodies have to work much harder to stay warm.
It means taking small steps to protect against the cold during the winter season is vital to fend off common illnesses, such as colds, flu, coughs and Covid, which are often rife at this time of the year.
A key way to do this is simply to follow a ‘winter meal rule’ when the weather turns cold. According to the Met Office, eating at least one hot meal per day and drinking regular hot drinks will help your body to stay warm in cold conditions..
In its cold weather advice, the forecaster says: “As we get older, our body has to work harder to keep us warm. From about the age of 55+, we lose around 1% of our muscle mass every year. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but our muscle keeps us warm.
“So it’s really important to wrap up warm when you go outside. In the home, eating at least one hot meal every day and drinking regular hot drinks helps, as does getting up and moving every now and again.”
It’s also recommended that you keep moving throughout the day, even if you are stuck inside, so you should try not to sit still for more than an hour or so, and ensure your house stays warm by heating it to at least 18C.
The Met Office adds: “It is important to keep warm in winter both inside and outdoors. Keeping warm can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems. Eating regularly helps keep you warm so try to have at least one hot meal a day along with regular hot drinks.
“Keep your house warm and your bedroom window closed especially on cold winter nights, as breathing cold air can be bad for your health as it increases the risk of chest infections.
“With many of us having to spend more time at home it can make it harder to keep active. It’s important to continue to do what you can to stay active as this can help with both your physical and mental health.
“Try to keep moving when you are indoors, try not to sit still for more than an hour or so. Break up your time spent being inactive by walking around your home or standing up from your chair when you are on the phone.”
