Call to come to aid of the aged

HELP THE AGED has issued a nation-wide SOS calling for vigilance in the community to ensure tile old people are able to cope with the icy conditions now hitting Britain.
"The dreaded cold spell now upon us will bring untold misery to countless elderly people, ' said Mr Hugh Faulkner, honorary director of Help the Aged. "If it continues it could place the lives of thousands in danger.
"We must all be on the watch and keep constant contact with elderly neighbours, giving them all necessary help in a crisis situation."
Help the Aged urges the following action: Call on your elderly neighbours and make sure they have adequate heating facilities and enough fuel. Phone the coalman if delivery of coal has been delayed.
Offer to do the shopping: icy steps and pavements are treacherous for those with arthritis and brittle bones.
Do anything possible to improve the warmth of the house, for instance by draught proofing. Provide extra blankets and hot water bottles if needed.
If an elderly person has heating in one room only, help move the bed into that room.
If possible ensure that elderly neighbours are getting hot meals.
The Government hopes to publish a discussion document on the needs of the elderly in the spring, Mr Ennals. Secretary of State for Social Services, announced last week.
In a Commons written answer he said: "The document is intended to provide a basis for comment and general public debate to assist the Government in preparing a White Paper on the Elderly which is due to follow in 1979. The Secretary of State for Wales and 1, together with our colleagues in the other departments involved, would like to receive comments on the document before the end of September, 1978, at the latest.
* "Many elderly people find the pace of modern life bewildering and rather frightening," says Dorothy Rogers, "but that doesn't mean they should give up all activity. "In far too many homes and clubs elderly people just sit and sleep, or at the most have a gentle game of bingo. We should encourage them to dance and sing."
Dorothy Rogers, 72, who gives this advice in an Age Concern action guide "On Stage for the Over Sixties," founded a well-known concert party group, the Henderson Courtiers. Now she advises club leaders and organisers how elderly people can keep each other amused and active.