Winter Safety for Seniors

For many, winter brings a joyful anticipation of holidays, with warm gatherings of family and friends making heartfelt memories together. But winter can be difficult for aging adults, especially those who are struggling with medical conditions.

Fall Risk

Going outdoors in icy weather is a risk for slips and falls for anybody, but for seniors, the risk is greatly increased. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury and injury death in those 65 and older. Seniors who have vision difficulties, medical problems that affect feet and legs, or who take medications that can cause dizziness or drowsiness are the most at risk of falling, even in warm weather and indoors. Winter precipitation can make the outdoors treacherous.

If you or a loved one has mobility difficulty, it may be best to stay in as much as possible in foul weather. Make sure that areas around your or your senior’s home are shoveled and salted to prevent falls. Consider using a cane or walker to help with balance when walking outdoors.

Stay Warm

When the temperature dips or snow and ice are present, often keeping the elderly indoors, call senior loved ones to make sure they have necessary provisions, including fuel for warmth. Thermostats in senior’s homes should not be set lower than 65 degrees.

Our bodies typically metabolize at a lower rate as we age, creating less body heat. Most seniors are unable to withstand low temperatures for any length of time and hypothermia is not uncommon. Signs of hypothermia include slowed reactions and movements, sleepiness, slurred or slow speech and confusion.

Lower Body Temperature Can Bring on Health Problems

Hypothermia occurs when the body becomes so cold it starts to shut down. According to an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), hypothermia can cause “major dysfunction in vital organs such as the heart, leading to irregular heartbeat; the kidneys, leading to kidney failure; and the brain, leading to mental status changes such as confusion or loss of consciousness. Liver damage, bleeding disorders, and breakdown of muscle tissue can also occur.” A lowered body temperature also causes reduced immunity, producing an increased susceptibility to pneumonia and viruses.

Getting wet or being outdoors when it is windy double the threat or hypothermia in the cold. Wearing layers of loose fitting clothing traps the air in the spaces and your body warms it, increasing the efficiency of your natural body heat. The face, neck, and hands are high vascular areas and points of rapid heat loss. Keep them covered in the cold weather.

Chronic Pain Flares

Precipitation (rain and snow) occurs when barometric pressure falls, pulling the air currents into your location. Arthritis is often made worse by falling barometric pressure. Low barometric pressure is also associated with increased pain in people living with fibromyalgia and other autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. Many people notice their discomfort increasing when it is cold and when it rains or snows.

Winter Sleep Habits

In the winter, the short days and lack of light can interrupt the body’s Circadian rhythm and throw off the body’s internal clock.  Seniors already prone to sleeping problems, like insomnia, can have even more trouble sleeping during the winter.

Setting up a routine can help you to sleep more easily.

• Go to bed at the same time every night. This will reset your internal clock so you get sleepy each night at that time.
• Take a warm bath or shower. This can help to relax your muscles and signal your body for sleep.
• Drink something warm, but decaffeinated. This will help with relaxation.

Be More Careful in the Wintertime

It may take a bit more effort to live well in the winter time, but it is worth staying safe and prepared. Plan your day to day living needs ahead of time. Order groceries, make sure you have a safe heating source with plenty of fuel. Make sure you have the appropriate clothing for going out in cold weather. Have your walks cleared of ice and snow. With a little extra awareness of your needs ahead of time, you can have a warm, safe, and healthy winter.

A Professional Caregiver

A professional caregiver is an excellent addition to your life when you or a loved one is aging at home. A professional caregiver can provide medical care, companionship, assist with errands, grocery shopping, and meal preparation. They can help improve your or your loved one’s quality of life. You can find a professional caregiver through our website, whether you need someone full-time, or for just a few hours a week, Right at Home will work with you to select the perfect, qualified, professional caregiver to make sure that your needs are met. Each caregiver is screened and bonded to ensure professionalism. Our unique five-step process will provide just the right fit for your family. Contact us today at 631.352.0022 and ask for a FREE in-home consultation.