Everyone aged over 65 is being urged to keep their home heating at a minimum of 18C this autumn and winter, following joint advice from the NHS and the Met Office. The guidance is designed to help older people stay warm and reduce the risk of seasonal illnesses as temperatures drop.
The Met Office has warned that this weekend could bring “a brief hint of winter” to some northern parts of the UK, as colder air, brisk winds and rain showers sweep across the country. More unsettled weather is expected into next week, particularly across northern and north-western areas, where strong winds and frequent downpours are likely.
Why 18C matters for health
Both the NHS and the Met Office recommend that anyone aged 65 or over sets their heating to at least 18C throughout autumn and winter. This also applies to people with health conditions and those with limited mobility, who are encouraged to keep the thermostat at no less than this temperature at all times, day and night.
Maintaining a home at a minimum of 18C can help ward off unpleasant winter illnesses, including colds, flu and Covid, as well as more severe health issues such as pneumonia, heart attacks, strokes and depression.
Practical tips to keep warm
If heating the whole house isn't practical, the advice is to warm only the rooms you spend the most time in, such as the living room or bedroom. Keeping windows shut overnight helps trap warmth indoors, and closing curtains at dusk retains heat generated within rooms. Draught excluders can seal gaps around windows and doors, and radiators should not be obstructed by furniture or curtains.
In its winter advice, the Met Office says: “The cold thickens blood and increases blood pressure, and breathing in cold air can increase the risk of chest infections. So it's all the more important to ensure your home and the homes of people you look out for are the right temperature.
“Ideally, you should heat your home to a temperature of at least 18C. This is particularly important if you have reduced mobility, are 65 or over, or have a health condition, such as heart or lung disease. Having room temperatures slightly over 18C could be good for your health.”
They continued: “If you are under the age of 65, active and wearing appropriate clothing, you may wish to keep your home at a comfortable temperature even if it is slightly lower than 18C.”
Overnight, people aged 65 and over or those with pre-existing health conditions may find bedroom temperatures of at least 18C beneficial. The Met Office advises keeping bedroom windows closed at night when the weather is cold.
Staying active and safe outdoors
Met Office guidance also suggests keeping active during cold spells, even if confined indoors because of snow and ice, as movement helps the body maintain warmth and ward off winter ailments. People should try to stand up and move about at least once an hour, and ensure they have at least one hot meal each day, along with regular hot drinks.
If venturing outside in cold weather, the NHS advises wearing a scarf over the mouth like a face covering. This allows air to warm up before being inhaled, helping to lower the risk of asthma symptoms being set off.
