CenterWell Editorial Team
The winter season can bring more than cold weather, and arrives during a time of year when the holidays create a sense of excitement and families have the chance to gather more. With all this winter activity, however, comes added risks for seniors who must navigate winter weather safety.
Let’s look at 10 winter safety tips that every senior should know.
In any season, older adults are at risk of falling. During winter, fall risks are even greater due to inclement weather, rain, snow, and slippery surfaces. Following a few precautions can help. Make sure entrances are well lit and have a railing or some other surface to act as a stabilizer. Place a rubber-backed mat near each entrance and wipe shoes to avoid creating slippery surfaces.
Hypothermia occurs when the body's temperature drops below 95°F due to exposure to cold temperatures. It can lead to serious health problems such as irregular heartbeat and damage to organs. It can also happen at cool temperatures if you become chilled from rain, sweat, or cold water. It is important to be aware of warning signs and early symptoms1, including:
Certain chronic health conditions can make the elderly more susceptible to cold weather risk. If you or a loved one suffers from one of these medical conditions, be aware when winter arrives and take precautions.
Some prescription and over-the-counter medications may also affect body heat, making it harder for seniors to recognize when they are getting too cold.
It’s very important for older adults and seniors to stay as active as possible during the winter months. While inclement weather may limit outdoor activities, caregivers and families can find creative ways to help seniors keep moving.
Believe it or not, cold injuries can occur in the home just as well as outside. Seniors are particularly vulnerable because of limited resources to adequately heat a living area, inactivity, and greater health issues. These ideas can help keep a home cozy.
Eat well to stay healthy and strong during the cold months. The following are particularly nourishing:
Long before the winter weather arrives, make sure your home is set for emergencies like power outages.
Practical planning and following some basic practices can go a long way to ensuring winter weather safety for seniors. When the weather is extreme, the best plan of action is simply to stay indoors and remain warm. Gather essential cold-weather clothing, accessories, and equipment in late fall so everything is readily available.
While general recommendations for a home’s temperature are to turn the thermostat down at night or when away, different recommendations exist for seniors. Seniors and older adults have greater difficulty regulating body temperature and staying warm, so setting the thermostat at a consistent 65 degrees for the winter.
Carbon monoxide is a gas produced from burning fuels, wood, gas, or propane. This gas can be extremely dangerous because it’s colorless, odorless, and tasteless. If present in a tightly sealed area, the gas can build up to a dangerous level—unknown to anyone in the area. If carbon monoxide builds up in the bloodstream, it can cause unconsciousness and death.
For seniors who may live alone or use alternative ways to heat a home, the risk of poisoning increases. Someone who is in distress may show the following warning signs and need access to fresh air and medical care immediately.
It’s important to have any heaters serviced and checked prior to use. If a senior or caregiver has been exposed to carbon monoxide or shows related neurological symptoms, seek help and talk with your doctor.
With winter comes inclement weather that can disrupt plans and routines. Snow or ice can close churches, school, and work. For seniors who may be reliant on the help of others and used to routines, change may not come easy. Keeping an open mind and being flexible may be necessary under certain circumstances. Perhaps it’s moving to a relative’s house for several days when the power is out or accepting a warm supper from a neighbor rather than insisting on cooking. Relying on others isn’t easy when a senior prefers to be independent, but learning to adapt can actually lead to more independence.
Seniors and their families may find winter months more challenging when it comes to caregiving and keeping seniors safe. Ice, snow, and rain make surfaces a greater risk for falls while the cold leads to less activity in general. Keeping in mind key preparation tips such as food planning, cold-weather clothing, and preventing hypothermia gives seniors and families greater comfort and reassurance to safely face the colder months.
