EDITORIAL: Check in on older neighbours during cold snap

WE are now just a week into 2025, and the new year has already seen the country plunge into a very cold spell of weather, with temperatures set to drop even further during the next few days.
Irish charity Alone, which was set up to highlight the issues facing older people in Ireland, is monitoring the weather very closely and checking in with the older people it supports across the country.
The organisation is encouraging older people to look for any support they might need, and it is asking others to be aware of the older people in their communities who may be challenged, or more isolated, because of the cold snap.
Cold weather events cause excess winter deaths. It is a serious public health issue we all need to be aware of. Slips, trips and falls in people aged over 75 can have serious, even fatal consequences, with an average of 20 percent of older people dying within a year of a hip fracture. Cold snaps also result in increased amounts of lung infections and respiratory ailments in the weeks that follow.

Recommendations
There are several steps that Alone recommends older people take to stay safe during the freezing conditions:
Keep the heating on at home, especially in the rooms that are most used, and wear more than one layer of clothing to stay warm. Eat and drink hot food and beverages to stay warm, perhaps even using the microwave if there is a concern around energy efficiency. Avoid making journeys that involve going outdoors, particularly when there are snow and/or ice warnings. If using an electric blanket, check for signs of wear and tear – if the blanket is old and damaged, do not use it under any circumstances. Finally, keep in touch with friends, family, neighbours and local services to let them know if you need any practical support, such as picking up fuel, medicines and groceries.
Sean Moynihan, the CEO of Alone, said: “We’re asking people to look out for the older and more vulnerable members of the community. Please stay in touch with older friends, family and neighbours. It’s vital that homes are kept warm and comfortable, particularly for those with underlying health difficulties, which can be exacerbated by the cold weather.
“If you’re an older person concerned about using your heating because of the cost of energy, or if you know someone in that situation, you can call Alone on 0818 222 024, seven days a week from 8am or 8pm. There are supports available from Alone and other organisations. Please get in touch if you have concerns or need any information about keeping older people safe during this cold spell.”

Community spirit
“We are urging the public to tap into that great community spirit that we have. Check in with the older people in your community and make sure they have all they need to stay warm. Look in on them, let them see a friendly face, offer to do the shopping if you can, and direct any older person who needs our support to Alone.”
“If you’re concerned about an older person in your community, don’t assume someone else has checked in or offered help. Don’t leave it to others, make the call or knock on the door and let’s get everyone through this safely.”
So the message is clear, don’t assume someone else or organisations like Alone are going to call in on older members of our communities. Make the effort to knock on a door and see if there is anything you can do to help your neighbours during the cold spell. In rural counties like our own here in Mayo, it is important that the meitheal spirit is embraced and that everyone in our communities looks out for one another.

For more, visit www.alone.ie or call Alone on 0818 222 024.