Stay healthy in winter

As we get older, changes to our bodies mean that cold weather and winter bugs affect us more than they used to, what we can do to keep healthy.  

Our immune system doesn’t function as well as we age, Our immune system helps us fight off germs and infections.

Colds, flu and pneumonia are all more common in winter. Last year over 60% of cases of flu that needed hospital treatment were in people over 65. So it's a good idea to take extra steps to avoid a nasty illness.

The cold puts more pressure on our hearts and circulatory systems. As we get older, our body has to work harder to keep us warm.

If you're exposed to a cold environment for a long time, or in extreme cold for only a short time, your blood pressure rises and your blood thickens. This can increase the risk of a heart attack and stroke.