Five ways to help older neighbours stay cool this summer

Please note: this post is 119 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only

Hot weather may be a blessing for some, but for many of our older neighbours it can also be dangerous. During the 2003 heat wave, mortality increased by over 40% – and it's often older people, particularly those who have pre-existing medical conditions, who are most at risk.

That's why South London Cares is working with our friends at Age UK, Southwark and Lambeth Councils and other partner organisations to help our older neighbours stay cool, hydrated, active and healthy this summer – through a programme of original and inclusive activities.

We know that many older people enjoy the summer. Our sister charity North London Cares' research shows that 75% of people above the river do not worry about hot weather any more than they did ten years ago, and that 72% are happy or neutral about the prospect of a heat wave. People look forward to a bit of time outside, and an ice cream.

But we also know from that research that many people don't take precautions against the heat. 92% open their windows during the day (letting the heat in, rather than cooling the room) and only 43% open them at night (which is a good time to let cooler air in). Only one in five avoid alcohol during the summer. Most do drink water, but only one in two older neighbours use fans to cool down.

So this year, through our programmes, we'll be raising awareness of how people can stay cool by:

• Distributing information flyers at some 40 Social Clubs in July and August across Lambeth and Southwark – and to neighbours through our one-to-one friendship project;
• Giving out leaflets to neighbours at Asda on Old Kent Road in July;
• Writing to everyone who had a deeper intervention through our Winter Wellbeing project;
• Referring neighbours we encounter who need extra support to statutory and other services;
• Asking you, our volunteers and supporters, to keep an eye out for neighbours who may suffer – and bear in mind the ways people can stay cool.

In short, that means people should:

• Drink plenty of water;
• Seek the shade;
• Avoid alcohol;
• Wear light clothing;
• Draw the curtains to keep cool;
• Seek support for physical tasks – for instance through our Love Your Neighbour project;
• Open windows at night if it's safe to do so.

People at particular risk are those with respiratory conditions, diabetes, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's or severe mental illness.

So please do keep an eye out for your neighbours as you're enjoying the sun this summer – and if you feel you have a friend who could benefit from some extra information or one of our Social Clubs, please get in touch.