Stay well, STAY WARM

Boost your wellbeing this winter with these healthy ways to beat the chill - without spending a fortune on the heating

- TANYA PEAREY

As the cost of living continues to rise, we're all looking for ways to reduce household spending. And many of us will look to cut energy costs by using less heating. But this can impact our health, especially for older people with any long-term health conditions.

As we get older or our health fluctuates, we may respond to cold temperatures differently, finding ourselves getting cold more easily or unable to maintain our body heat,' says occupational therapist Kate Sheehan.

This can leave us with an increased risk of infection, and susceptibility to contracting those ever-present winter bugs.

Try these easy and low-cost ways to keep warm at home and boost your well-being.

HOT DRINKS

Warm yourself from the inside with hot soups, food and drinks. 'Stocking up on hot drinks and soups in a thermos, while eating regularly, can create inner body heat and sustain energy levels,' says GP and TV doctor Hilary Jones. Porridge and stews are not only warming but they're cheap to make.

PLAN AHEAD

Take advantage of any free or discounted immunisations, such as the flu jab, as this may reduce the impact if you become unwell. 'Order any repeat prescriptions in good time, so you don't run out if the weather gets bad,' says Kate. Many GP practices and pharmacies offer a delivery service if you need it.

OPTIMISE KEY NUTRIENTS