Have you ever noticed that the Spanish and long-term expats walk around in coats, hats, and scarves during the winter, whereas tourists wear shorts and tee shirts?
This is down to acclimatising and avoiding winter hypertension in the over 65s. Spanish can deal with temperatures between 30 and 40C in the summer but will find 11 to 20C very cold.
That’s because low temperatures cause blood vessels to narrow temporarily. More pressure is needed to force blood through narrowed veins and arteries. This causes blood pressure to rise and is, in effect, winter hypertension.
The only way over 65s can avoid winter hypertension is to wrap up and drink plenty of hot drinks. Not coffee all the time, though.
Why can tourists walk around in shorts and tee shirts? 11 to 20C is what they usually experience in Spring. Winter is a lot colder than that.
If you are thinking of moving to Spain and are not yet old enough to qualify for the S1 form, there is an alternative. ASSSA Health Insurance. They have a policy designed to fit the requirements of any visa. To get a quote, please use the form below.
A contribution from onefortheteam: Spain related.
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