Keeping warm
When
it's cold, move around to stay warm.
When it's hot, keep still and stay cool.
(Lao Tzu)
Cold
As people age, they become more vulnerable to cold.
Tai chi will improve circulation and
strengthen
your body, but you can do more.
Addressing your clothing and living
environment
can make you warmer.
It is important to put health before vanity and wear clothing that is
appropriate to the season.
Old-fashioned
clothing
Old-fashioned clothes cannot compare to the innovations in
thermal insulation; if you avail yourself of modern fabric technology, you may
find yourself much warmer.
Outdoor pursuits, such as hiking, have been the focus of warmth technology
for decades now and some of the products are really effective.
With insulation, you get what you pay for.
A real fleece will cost more than a cheaper one, but the difference in
warmth is undeniable.
Here are some ideas...
Base layer (breathable layer)
Companies like
Helly Hansen produce thin, lightweight
long-sleeved undershirts and long johns that are really warm.
A thermal base layer is essential; it allows the
skin to breathe and reduces odour.
Mid layer (insulating layer)
Three main mid layer options are available: fleece, pile or wool.
All insulation fabrics operate by trapping warm air pockets and holding them
next to your body.
Fleece is a synthetic fibre invented by
Polartec in the 1980's.
It is usually numbered: 300, 275, 100... the higher the number, the
warmer the product.
There are a vast number of imitations but few are as warm as the original.
You can buy pullovers, jackets, trousers, hats, gloves, scarves and even blankets.
Berber pile is a
variation on Polatec's fleece; it is very warm and looks almost woollen in
appearance.
Wool can be warm if it is thick enough.
If you want it to keep you warm, the type of wool and knit must be taken
into account.
A thin sweater will not be any good for winter.
Jacket (outer shell)
There are two obvious considerations for a winter coat: will it keep you
dry and is it warm?
Not all coats offer both and most coats are woefully inadequate on both
counts.
A coat is not just a piece of pretty cloth; it must provide effective
protection against the elements.
Waterproofing and windproofing can be a question of fabric and of
design:
Driza-bone produce waterproof oilskin coats
that are designed to keep the legs dry as well as the upper body.
This is perfect for torrential rain.
The coats are stitched and cut to offer protection to the vulnerable areas
such as elbow joints.
Other companies offer waxed-cotton variations that are equally waterproof
but may not protect the legs.
Gore started a revolution in protective
jackets with their Gore-Tex fabric.
You can purchase a massive range of water-resistant clothing manufactured
using Gore-Tex or similar fabrics produced by rival companies.
For warmth, you can choose from a variety of linings including feather &
down and fleece.
Avoid clothing that needs to be dry-cleaned.
More...
Page created 8 February 2006