Although a snow-covered winter wonderland may look nice from indoors, ice, snow, and falling temperatures can be hazardous for people of all ages. The chilly winter months are especially challenging for the elderly as they are exposed to a high risk of sustaining injuries. Cold weather and slippery sidewalks can cause a wide range of illnesses and injuries, especially for older individuals.
Whether you’re making a quick trip to the store or you’re going for a walk with a caregiver, it’s important to take proper precautions to keep yourself safe and healthy during the winter. These safety tips can help you avoid injury, keep you safe, and prevent the common cold-weather dangers:
Dress for the Weather
Frigid temperatures can lead to frostbite and hypothermia. Both of these conditions can cause serious injury. Frostbite happens if there’s damage to your skin that can go all the way down to the bone, and it is caused by extreme cold. Usually, it occurs on the nose, chin, cheeks, ears, fingers, and toes. The body parts farthest away from your heart are at risk.
In severe cases, frostbite can cause the loss of limbs. To avoid this, make sure all parts of your body are covered. If your skin turns red or dark or you notice it started to hurt, go inside as soon as possible.
When your body temperature gets very low, below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, the risk of various health issues, including a heart attack, liver damage, and kidney problems, is increased. Severe hypothermia may even lead to death, especially in older people. That’s why it is best to avoid being outside in the cold, especially for too long.
If you are planning to go out anyway, make sure you are dressed for the weather. Always check the temperature before you go outside to determine what to wear. If it’s very cold, snowy, or windy, limit the time you spend outdoors. A heavy wind can lower your body’s temperature very quickly, so it is the best idea to stay inside on very windy days.
Dress in layers—you can always take one off if you get too hot. Make sure your layers of clothing are loose, as the air between them will keep you warm. Wear warm socks, a hat, gloves, and a scarf. Keep in mind that your body loses a lot of heat when the head and neck are uncovered, so wearing a scarf and a hat will make a huge difference. Mittens are more effective for preventing frostbite, so if you’re spending some time outside, you may want to put them on.
Also, if it is snowing outside, wear a waterproof jacket. When you arrive home, change your clothes immediately if you notice they are damp; don’t stay in wet clothes for too long, or you may face health issues.
If you suffer from breathing problems such as COPD or asthma, it’s best to stay indoors or make sure you cover your mouth and nose with a scarf when it’s cold. Extreme temperatures can make these conditions flare up.
Make Sure You are Warm Inside
Keep in mind that being warm inside is equally important as staying warm when outside. Even when you are inside, you can still get hypothermia if your house or an apartment is cold.
If you notice your house is cold, ensure you are dressed warmly enough. Always wear socks and slippers, and if you are still cold, throw a blanket over your legs to warm you up. When sleeping, don’t forget to put on long underwear under your pajamas, and use extra blankets if needed.
Set the temperature in your home to around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are worried about higher heating bills, close off the rooms you are not using. Keep the doors closed so that the heat doesn’t escape outside. If your windows are old and are letting the heat escape, close the curtains and blinds; this will help maintain the indoor temperature. Another thing to consider is using a space heater.
Keep an Eye Out for Ice and Snow
Walking on icy stairs, walkways, driveways, parking lots, and other surfaces can lead to serious falls and major injuries such as hip, arm, wrist, and skull fractures. Complications from falls are the leading cause of death for people over 65, so it’s critical to be proactive and careful about avoiding ice and snow in the winter.
If you need to go out, ask a caregiver from your home health care agency, friend, neighbor, or family member to clear and salt your outdoor walkways. Wear boots with good traction and if you use a cane, change the tip if it’s worn. Replacing the tip will make walking on ice easier.
It’s also a good idea to remove boots or shoes when you walk in the door. Keep in mind that if the snow and ice attach to the soles, they will start to melt once you are inside. When this happens, melted ice and snow can lead to slippery floors inside, too.
Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated is equally important in the winter as in the summer. Unfortunately, many people are not aware of this and assume they don’t need to drink too much during the winter.
Staying hydrated will keep your body fluids balanced, and your skin will look healthy and bright. Water will also help improve your energy levels. Dehydration is a common cause of daytime fatigue, and drinking enough water will help you avoid feeling sluggish.
Have a Balanced Diet
Since people, especially the elderly, spend a lot of time indoors during the winter, they often tend to eat less food, so they intake fewer calories. They also eat a smaller variety of foods, which can result in nutritional deficits.
Something like this can lead to other health issues. For example, vitamin D deficiency has been associated with osteoporosis, cognitive decline, and even depression. To avoid these consequences, make sure you eat a varied diet and consume foods rich in vitamins, especially vitamin D. Eat plenty of meat, vegetables, fish, and grains, and intake the recommended number of calories.
Be Prepared for Power Outages
Winter storms may lead to power outages, and it is important to be prepared for these situations. Keep a working flashlight next to the bed where it is easy to reach so you won’t have to wander around the room in the dark during the power outage. It will also reduce the risk of falling and sustaining injuries. Also, keep extra blankets somewhere handy, so you can find them with ease.
Stay Connected
It can be difficult to get out during the winter, and the days become shorter, which can lead to isolation and depression. Check in with family members and friends often, so you don’t feel lonely and depressed. A short phone call per day can go a long way in keeping you happy and can make a significant difference. Having a professional caregiver come in daily from your home care agency or a few times a week can also help keep your spirits up and ensure you stay safe.
Additionally, try to be involved in your favorite activities as it will prevent you from feeling lonely. Do crossword puzzles, play games with other seniors, try knitting, whatever you prefer to keep you busy and prevent the feelings of loneliness and depression during the winter.
Winter doesn’t have to be a drag. If you stay vigilant about safety and keep in touch with friends and family, you might even enjoy watching the snow fall. If you have any questions or if you would like some more tips, don’t hesitate to give Trusted Touch Healthcare a call!
