Charity workers in York are taking an information roadshow to pensioners to make sure they are ready for winter

WINTER is not always the magical wonderland portrayed in Christmas cards and TV adverts.

For older people, winter can bring a range of challenges - some with the potential to kill.

Deaths last winter hit a 15-year high, with the failure of the flu vaccine and respiratory diseases claiming thousands of lives.

This year, forecasters are warning of a cold spell, which could place vulnerable pensioners at particular risk.

That's why staff and volunteers at Age UK York have been on the road, taking winter wellbeing advice to senior citizens across the city.

We caught up with them at a weekly lunch club at Clements Hall in Southbank.

The club attracts about 30 older people each week, who come for a spot of company and a hot lunch - all for £2.50.

York Press:

Emma Field, right, of Age UK York gives a talk to the over 50s in York on keeping safe in winter

Aged between 60 and 92, the diners were a captive audience for Emma Field, Age UK York information officer, who was on hand with a helpful guide on keeping healthy at this time of year and a winter checklist.

"There are a lot of winter deaths, but we don't want to send that message out because it scares people," begins Emma.

"Older people are more vulnerable to colder weather. They might find it difficult to get out and be sitting at home; the more they sit, the more vulnerable they are to the cold.

"This campaign is to make sure people stay safe. It's about simple things, a lot of it is common sense."

Age UK York has printed a Winter Check List that it is handing out to pensioners.

It asks questions such as:

(*) Has your heating been serviced?

(*) Keep a torch in case of power cuts

(*) Check your winter wardrobe, that you have grippy shoes and have several layers of clothing to wear (*) Stock up on tins and other emergency supplies

(*) Find out where your water, gas and electricity turns off

(*) Make sure you have a radio

(*) Think about how you would make one room comfortable in snowy weather

(*) A thermos is a good idea to have hot soup or tea/coffee handy.

On the reverse, is room to write down the telephone numbers of people to contact in an emergency such as the doctor, insurance helpline and chemist.

Age UK York has a help and information number for people to contact in extreme weather - 634061. They can also call this number to be added to a "watch list" of vulnerable older people in the city, who volunteers can check on in the event of bad weather.

"These are people who might not be able to get out if there is snow," says Emma. "In bad weather, we drop everything and ring everyone on the list to make sure they are OK. We check they have enough food, their medicines, and are safe."

The charity has published a guide to give people even more tips, Winter Wrapped Up, a Guide to Keeping Warm and Well This Winter, which includes a free thermometer.

It advises people to have their living room at 70F (21C) and their bedrooms at 64F (18C), but adds if they feel cold they should turn up the heat regardless of the reading.

The guide also debunks some of the myths of keeping warm in winter, such as sleeping with the bedroom window open because it is good for health. Not so, says Age UK. "If you leave your window open you're likely to breathe in cold air which lowers body temperature and raises the risk of chest infections, heart attacks and strokes."

York Press:

PREPARED:( l-r) York pensioners Margaret Stewart and Jean Green

Jean Green, 72, and friend Margaret Stewart, 79, attend the weekly lunch club and said they were already well prepared for winter.

Jean lives with her husband and son, who has MS. He has to be warm, so she can't compromise on heating too much.

She said: "We don't have the heating on all day, but we do put it on and we just wait and see what the bills are like when they come in next year."

Margaret is widowed and lives by herself. She has no central heating and relies on open fires to keep warm. She said she tended to light one fire and keep one room warm. "If I want to stay warm I just put on an extra cardigan or a fleece that is extra large."

Emma said Age Concern York had a supply of heaters and blankets it could lend to people in a cold spell. "It can make the difference."

She added: "In York, luckily the statistics are improving on winter deaths, which are better than the national average, and we want to continue that trend."

For a copy of the Winter Wrapped Up Guide, visit the website: ageuk.org.uk or call the free telephone number 0800 169 65 65.