Everyone aged 55 and over is urged to stock up on two essential items as a polar vortex could bring bitterly cold weather to the UK within weeks. The Met Office has warned of recent stratospheric warming and a weakening of the winds around the vortex, which has happened exceptionally early in the season.
Early forecasts suggest the vortex will become increasingly displaced from the North Pole, potentially bringing colder, drier air, along with sleet and snow showers, to the UK in a matter of weeks. The Met Office said it is monitoring the polar vortex closely, with any influence on weather conditions possibly taking several weeks to develop.
Winter Health Advice for Over 55s
In its winter health advice, the Met Office recommends that people over the age of 55 stock up on cold and sore throat remedies. According to the forecaster, people lose around 1% of their muscle mass every year from around age 55, meaning bodies have to work much harder to stay warm.
Taking small steps to protect against the cold during winter is vital to fend off common illnesses such as colds, flu, coughs and Covid. Older people are also advised to ensure they have their flu jab, and a pneumonia jab if eligible.
Official Guidance and Vaccination
The Met Office said: "Coughs, colds and flu are especially common during winter. It’s important we all take steps to look after our health, but this is particularly important as you get older. As we age, changes to our bodies mean that cold weather and winter bugs can affect us more than they used to."
The advice is backed by Age UK, which recommends keeping homes well stocked with essentials. The charity said: "Stock up on cold and sore throat remedies and food. It's a good idea to make sure you're prepared – winter weather can be unpredictable and can stop you from getting out and about."
According to the NHS, flu typically reaches peak levels around December and January, so the vaccine is offered to older adults aged 65 and over from October 1. The pneumococcal vaccine is also recommended by the NHS for adults aged 65 and over, with most adults needing only one dose.
