Keep cool & get naked: UK care home residents share heatwave tips 50 years on from infamous summer of 1976

As Britain marks 50 years since the 1976 heatwave with another record-breaking sizzling summer, care home residents at a Nottinghamshire care group share the tips they applied back then – from ice baths to stripping off. 

Residents living across Church Farm Care's five homes experienced first-hand one of the UK's most memorable summers, when weeks of exceptionally high temperatures brought water shortages and daily life without the cooling comforts many people rely on today.

 Drawing on their own experiences, residents have been sharing practical tips that have stayed with them for almost 50 years, from drinking plenty of water and seeking shade to wearing light clothing and avoiding spending long periods in the midday sun.

Josephine Hurry’s, 83, advice for coping with hot weather is simple: “Go to the beach and walk around naked – but not at the same time! Also, have a lovely ice bath.”

 Their top tips include:

●      Drinking water regularly throughout the day

●      Staying indoors or in the shade during the hottest hours

●      Wearing a hat and light clothing when outside

●      Keeping curtains closed during the day

●      Opening windows later, once the air outside is cooler

●      Using cool water to lower body temperature, including a cool shower or splashing water on the face

●      Avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day

 The advice is also consistent with current NHS guidance, which recommends staying in the shade, drinking extra fluids, wearing light clothing and using cool water to lower body temperature.

Ann Simpson, 86, recalled that water had to be delivered to homes because it was not coming through the taps. She said people kept cool by doing as little as possible, wearing hats, using fans and keeping curtains closed. She also remembered listening to Vera Lynn’s “We’ll Meet Again” on the radio, which helped take people’s minds off the heat.

While Margaret Hyde, 83, recalled using cold drinks and sitting in front of a fan to cope with the heat.

Hilda Hanney, 93, recalled drought conditions, limited water supplies and vegetables dying in the heat. Her advice today is to wear a sun hat, splash water on the face and sit in the shade. She also remembered that sun cream was available in 1976, although she felt it was not as effective as the products available today.

Maddie Mear, 89, described the heat as “unbearable”, recalling that pavements felt like hot sand and cars were like “a hot tin can”. She advised people to keep hydrated, remain indoors where possible and use shade for protection.

 Lucy Atkinson, co-founder and director of Church Farm Care, said: “During periods of hot weather, older people are often spoken about because they face greater risks from the heat. We wanted to give our residents the opportunity to share knowledge gained from living through one of Britain’s most memorable heatwaves.

“Their advice focuses on practical actions that helped people 50 years ago and remain relevant today. Sharing these experiences places residents’ voices at the centre of a current national conversation.”

 Church Farm Care offers specialist dementia care, palliative care, bariatric care and complex care needs, as well as 24-hour nursing care, rehabilitation and respite care across its five Nottinghamshire communities.