Arctic blast set to hit UK, with rise in deaths among over-65s feared

UK Health and Security Agency warns cold snap could pose serious risk to older people and those with existing health conditions

Copy link
twitter
facebook
whatsapp
email
Copy link
twitter
facebook
whatsapp
email
An arctic blast sweeping the UK is expected to cause a rise in deaths among those aged 65 and over.
The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) warned that the impending cold snap is “likely to cause a rise in deaths” in the age group, as well as among people with existing health conditions.
It has issued amber cold weather alerts for the North East, North West, Midlands, Yorkshire and the east of England. The alerts came into effect on Monday morning and are due to last until Thursday,
The warning comes as the UK saw its coldest temperature since last winter, with the Met Office recording -7.8C at Tulloch Bridge in the Scottish Highlands on Sunday night.
Snow and ice are also expected to accompany the drop in temperature this week.
A chilly and perhaps icy start to Monday in Scotland with frequent sleet and snow showers in the far north ❄️Drier across Northern Ireland, parts of North Wales and northern England with sunny spells ☀️Cloudy and damp in the southern England with outbreaks of heavy rain 🌧️ pic.twitter.com/WETSUaG5py
The UKHSA said the weather was “likely to cause significant impacts across the health and social care services”.
These include a rise in pensioner deaths, which “may also see impacts on younger age groups”, as well as increased demand on health services. The agency warned that temperatures in hospitals and care homes could drop “below the recommended levels” for patient assessments.
The icy and frosty weather is also predicted to cause travel chaos, meaning staff may struggle to get to work.
London, the South East and the South West of England were also made the subject of a yellow cold health alert amid warnings there could be “minor impacts on health and social care services”.
Katherine Crawford, the chief executive of Age Scotland, said pre-existing medical conditions could be exacerbated by the cold snap, and the elderly were particularly vulnerable to transport disruption.
She said: “Bad weather may make it difficult for people to get out for essential shopping or medical appointments, so we’d urge everyone to check in on older family, friends and neighbours to find out if they need any extra support.”
The alert comes after the Met Office issued two separate yellow severe weather warnings for snow and ice, telling the public to get their “jumpers, hats and gloves at the ready” as temperatures drop into single figures.
The first warned of snow and ice in northern Scotland until Monday morning. Another will come into force on Monday evening until Tuesday morning, with forecasters predicting that snow and ice could come from a period of rain and sleet.
The Met Office said there was a “small chance” power cuts may occur and some rural communities may be “cut off” in an area from Nottingham to the Scottish border, with up to 20cm of snow expected on high ground.
The warnings come amid concerns pensioners will suffer in cold weather after the Government’s cuts to winter fuel payments. Many will lose the benefit after Sir Keir Starmer’s administration made it means-tested.
The cut means only those claiming pension credit or other means-tested benefits will receive help with their fuel bills, whereas previously the allowance was available to anyone over the age of 66. It is expected to reduce the number of pensioners in receipt of the £300 payment from 11.4 million to 1.5 million, saving about £1.4 billion this year.
However, Rhian Bowen-Davies, the older people’s commissioner for Wales, said this could lead to more deaths among the elderly, adding: “People will feel the impact of this. We know that this could impact 4,000 additional deaths this winter.”
The situation was worsened further by thousands of pensioners receiving their payment late after a surge in applications caused a benefit log jam. Nearly 75,000 elderly people face 10-week delays on claims after the decision in July triggered a surge in pension credit applications.
Caroline Abrahams, the Age UK charity director, said: “With the Met Office issuing a yellow weather warning of snow and ice in some areas this week we are especially worried – the loss of the winter fuel payment has caused many older people to be extra fearful about turning on their heating this winter.
“With high energy bills and food prices it is understandable that some may think they have to cut back on food and turn their heating off, but prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can have a serious impact on an older person’s health, especially if they are already trying to manage existing illnesses.
“The cold raises blood pressure, which in turn increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke and breathing in cold air can also increase the risk, and impact, of serious illnesses like flu and pneumonia.”
Ms Abrahams said it was “vital” that older people stay “fit, warm and well if they can” by having hot food and drinks throughout the day, wrapping up warm and sleeping with the windows closed.
Copy link
twitter
facebook
whatsapp
email