The deadliest and safest months for people in Gloucestershire have been revealed.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that our county sees by far the most deaths in January; 40 per cent more deaths than the "safest" month of July.

However, it isn't unusual that Gloucestershire sees the highest number of deaths in winter.

An analysis of all deaths recorded in England and Wales between the start of 2014 and the end of 2018 revealed 10.6 per cent of people died in the month of January.

The pattern is replicated in Gloucestershire, with 10.4 per cent of the deaths recorded in the county over the same time period occurring in January.

Safest and deadliest months

Over the past five years, from the start of 2014 to the end of December 2018, 30,865 people have died in Gloucestershire.

Of those, 3,214 people died in January compared to 2,275 who died in July; making them the deadliest and safest months for people in the county.

The rest of the deadliest and safest months are as follows:

Deadliest

  • 2,788 deaths in March
  • 2,716 deaths in February
  • 2,626 deaths in December
  • 2,625 deaths in October
  • 2,567 deaths in April

Safest

  • 2,523 deaths in November
  • 2,462 deaths in May
  • 2,427 deaths in June
  • 2,330 deaths in September
  • 2,312 deaths in August
  • 2,275 deaths in July

Across England, 2.5million deaths were recorded during the same time period; some 261,107 took place in January.

March saw 9 per cent of deaths, and February saw 8.8 per cent; although that is potentially accounted for by the fact February is a shorter month.

August, despite having 31 days, was deemed the safest month, accounting for 7.4 per cent of deaths.

Why are you 'more likely to die' in January?

Whilst most experts agree that lower temperatures are a significant contributory factor, an ONS investigation into the issue in 2003 suggested that deaths in winter increased more in England and Wales than in other countries with colder climates.

This suggests there are additional factors.

Older people are particularly vulnerable in winter months, and certain conditions like chronic circulatory and respiratory diseases contribute to a spike in the number of recorded deaths.

Wanting to go toilet all the time can be more than old age

Charity Director at Age UK, Caroline Abrahams, said: "Many older people are more vulnerable in winter months due to a toxic cocktail of poor housing, high energy prices and ill health.

"These factors can make colder periods a dangerous time for many older people.

"We know such high levels of excess winter deaths are not inevitable. As a country we are not doing enough to ensure our older population stays warm and well throughout the harsh winter months.

"The Government needs to do more to end the scourge of cold homes and ensure older people are receiving all the financial support to which they’re entitled.

"Age UK is urging older people to do everything possible to protect themselves against the threats posed by the winter cold – including wrapping up warm when they go out and taking extra care if there’s slippery ice about.

"Anyone who is concerned about staying warm and well can call us free of charge on 0800 169 6565 or check our website.

Library image of elderly person with a walker

Chief Executive of Contact the Elderly, Meryl Davies, said: "Winter is a particularly difficult time for older people and can bring a barrage of challanges.

"Not only do the long nights and plummeting temperatures make it harder to get out and about, they increase the chance of falls and injuries as well as illnesses.

"For older people who live alone, it can also be the loneliest time of year.

"More than two million people aged 75 and over live alone in the UK, and with our ageing population this number is set to rise considerably.

"Many of our older people can go for days, weeks, or even months without seeing or speaking to anyone.

A man holding an elderly woman's hand

"But communities have the power to change this and simply conversations can, literally, change lives.

"We would encourage everyone to take a little time to talk to their older neighbours and make sure they're okay.

"You could also volunteer for a charity like Contact the Elderly, which provides monthly social gatherings for older people who live alone, for many of the 6,200 guests we support each year across the UK our events are a real lifeline."