THE number of elderly people who died in winter compared with other times of the year has more than doubled.

In the coldest months of the year there were 90 additional deaths - known as seasonal increase in mortality - amongst pensioners, with those over the age of 85 worst affected.

This was a substantial increase from the previous year, where the number of additional deaths was 40.

The jump has been blamed largely on flu and pneumonia.

Now there are calls for action to be taken to make sure homes are better heated and people have the flu vaccination as the countdown to the coldest months begin.

Inverclyde's MSP, Stuart McMillan, said: "I believe we need to focus our attention on ensuring our elderly people have the appropriate heating in their homes so as not to exacerbate underlying health conditions during colder weather."

The report issued by the National Records of Scotland shows that in the four months from December 2017 to March 2018 there were 60 'additional' deaths among the over 85s in Inverclyde, 20 additional deaths among the 75-84 age group and 10 in the 65-74s, bringing the total to 90.

In the previous winter, 2016/17, there were 40 'additional' deaths overall.

Inverclyde, like many areas across the UK, experienced a cold winter and there were 414 deaths in total registered in the district from December 2017 to March 2018.

Health board bosses are calling for the oldest residents in the community to be protected against poor health in the winter with the flu vaccination.

A spokeswoman said: "The flu vaccine is the best available protection against the flu virus.

“In the most serious cases, flu can bring on pneumonia or other serious infections which can, in extreme cases, result in death.

“It’s also important everyone takes sensible precautions to stay warm.

"I would encourage older people, in particular, to dress warmly when they go out and to eat at least one hot meal a day along with plenty of hot drinks.

“It’s also best to keep the whole house warm, even at a lower temperature, rather than heating just the one room to a higher temperature.

"Going from a warm room into a cold one can heighten the risk of cardiovascular problems.”

Anyone experiencing issues with heating their home is being urged to contact MSP Mr McMillan's office on 720930.