What is hypothermia?

Hypothermia is when your core body temperature decreases below 37°C.

Body Temperature (°C) Symptoms
36 – 37.2 Normal body temperature
35 Shivering, blue lips, pale face
34 Tiredness, slurred speech
33 Sleepiness, blurred vision
32 Loss of feeling, falling over
30 Coma
28 Breathing stops
25 Certain Death

As you get older you become less active meaning you sit for long periods, possibly in
cold rooms. You may be worried about your heating bills, spending less money by
having these cold rooms, in bad housing that is damp and draughty. The most
susceptible people to hypothermia are those who live on their own, people who live in
poor draughty housing and those who are ill and unable to get out easily.

Over 40,000 more elderly people die in winter than in

summer.
Ten tips to help you stay warm in winter

1. Eat for warmth

2. Keep moving
3. Dress appropriately
4. Keep your home at the right temperature
5. Keep warm at night
6. Insulate your home.
7. Get a flu jab
8. Sleep with your windows closed
9. Avoid alcoholic beverages
10. Remove wet or cold clothes as soon as possible