Watch: Cork doctor encourages older people to try to keep to routine at Christmas 

A Cork doctor has encouraged older people in Cork to try to keep to their routines at Christmas and make sure to get some activity during the day. 

In a new video, consultant geriatrician Dr Bart Daly, who works at the Older Person’s Hub at St Finbarr’s in Cork city, shared advice for older people.

“With all the nice things we do at Christmas, which are really important, it’s good to make sure you’re getting enough hydration, keeping taking your medications and getting some activity during the days,” he said.

Dr Daly said that this is also a good time of year for people to take stock of their own health and set some goals for 2024 related to living well, including considering group exercise classes like Staying Fit for the Future or getting involved in local social activities such as Men’s Sheds, Active Retirement group and other community health initiatives.

It comes as the HSE this week urged the public to protect themselves and others, particularly vulnerable people, from illness this Christmas as they are seeing a significant increase in ED attendance and admission in patients over 75.

"As we enter the Christmas period and look forward to families and friends spending time together, there are a few simple things we can do to protect ourselves and those who are most vulnerable. You should stay home when you are unwell, avoid people with symptoms, wash your hands regularly and cover coughs and sneezes," the HSE said.