Winter Safety Tips for Seniors

Cold weather-related deaths have increased in the U.S. for some time — studies indicate that, between 1999 and 2022, cold weather deaths have more than doubled. Climate change continues to cause more extreme weather events, which can acutely affect adults over 75. The mortality rate is highest amongst seniors, as they are more likely to have trouble maintaining body temperature.

Seniors are also more susceptible to chronic conditions that are aggravated by the cold. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reports that 85% of seniors have at least one chronic condition, which puts them at a higher risk for cold weather-related health issues. Preparing for winter weather is crucial to protect yourself and your older loved ones.

Winter weather can bring snow and freezing temperatures. Both can lead to slippery roads and sidewalks. Strong storms can also occur, leading to power outages that can deactivate heating systems.

Fortunately, there are several ways to prepare and protect yourself during the colder months of the year. Following safety tips to prevent falls and keeping your home adequately heated, along with having a bad weather plan, can set you up for a more comfortable winter season. 

Increased fall risk for seniors can result from various circumstances, such as failing eyesight, muscle mass loss due to age, and cognitive impairments like dementia.

Safety hazards inside and outside the home also put them at risk of falling, including slippery conditions from snow and ice. Consider the following winter safety tips to prevent falls:

• Use Ice Melt Products Or Sand On Driveways And Walkways: These products help make the ground less slippery. Offer to spread ice melt for older loved ones and neighbors.
• Use Railings And Wear Non-Skid Footwear: Holding onto a sturdy rail can provide stability, and wearing rubber-soled shoes will provide needed traction.
• Don't Shovel Snow Yourself: Shoveling snow can increase the likelihood of falling and cardiovascular events.
• Use Outdoor Lighting Along Walkways And Driveways: Make sure outdoor lighting is bright enough for you to see any potential hazards near the home.
• Keep Walking Aids Dry When In Use Inside: The wheels on a wheelchair or the tip of a cane can become wet from ice and snow. Dry them off when you move indoors.
• Enter And Exit Your House Using The Safest Path: If one of your doors leads to an icy walkway, use a different door if possible. Clear entryways of any items and remove potential tripping hazards.
• Place A Shelf Or Table Near Your Door: Placing items on a surface while entering or exiting your home can be useful when you need a hand to unlock your door.
• Leave Extra Time When Traveling: Give yourself extra time to reach your destination. Rushing increases your chance of falling. Many travel resources can help you and your older loved ones arrive safely.
• Stay Indoors: Use a delivery service for any supplies you may need.

Parts of our body, such as our muscles and skin, provide insulation and encourage healthy blood flow. We lose muscle as we age and our skin becomes thinner, making us more susceptible to cold temperatures. If you're outside in the cold and your core body temperature drops below 95 degrees, you risk experiencing hypothermia.

Even if the temperature is above 40 degrees outside, you can still get hypothermia if your body becomes chilled from sweat, rain, or cold water. Hypothermia can cause serious health problems such as heart failure, liver damage, and kidney damage. This condition can also affect the brain, which keeps you from realizing you may be suffering from hypothermia.

Pale skin, a puffy or swollen face, shivering, cold appendages, sleepiness, confusion, anger, and slurred speech are signs of hypothermia. Call 911 if you or someone else experiences any of these signs amid cold conditions. 

To help prevent the risk of hypothermia, factor the following winter health tips for seniors:

• Limit Time Outside: If it's cold or damp outside, try to stay indoors as much as possible.
• Tell Others If You Plan To Leave Your Home: Make sure someone knows if you plan to venture outside. Charge your cell phone and have it with you.
• Dress Warmly And Wear Layers: Wear a scarf, gloves, and a hat to prevent body heat from escaping. You may also want to use hand or foot warmers. 
• Keep Warm Items In Your Vehicle: Stashing extra clothing and blankets in your car can help if your car breaks down or you feel cold after going outside. 
• Stay Dry: Wear a waterproof coat if it's raining or snowing. Change out of wet clothes as soon as you can. 
• Check The Weather Forecast Before Going Out: Strong winds and cold fronts can lower your body temperature. Aim to stay inside whenever the forecast calls for cold temperatures.

Several medical conditions, like dry eye, eczema, and asthma, become more common as we age, which can worsen when temperatures drop. 

Cold temperatures can cause blood pressure to rise, increasing the chance of heart attacks. Also, when it's colder, blood clots can form, increasing the risk of a stroke. Other medical conditions that affect your body and its ability to stay warm include:

• Diabetes: Normal blood flow is affected by diabetes, which disrupts the body's ability to regulate its temperature. 
• Parkinson's Disease and Arthritis: Cold weather can make it more difficult to move around, put on more layers of clothing, or get to a warmer location. If activities of daily living have become more challenging, an assisted living facility or nursing home may be worth looking into. 
• Thyroid Issues: If your thyroid isn't working properly, it can become difficult for your body to maintain its temperature. 
• Raynaud's Disease: People with Raynaud's disease may experience vascular spasms due to cold temperatures. Symptoms like pain and open sores can become worse in the winter. 
• Memory Problems: You may forget to wear appropriate clothing for cold weather or forget to take safety precautions. If you or a loved one has dementia or Alzheimer's disease, you may want to consider a memory care facility. 
• Mental Health Issues: Fear of leaving the house in winter weather can cause people to feel isolated. If your loved one can move well on their own but could benefit from living within a community of peers, an independent living community may be an option. 

Having an emergency plan can help ease your mind as winter weather approaches. Consider your daily needs and think about how a winter storm could affect them. 

Start by creating a winter emergency kit. Your kit should include extra water, a few days' worth of nonperishable food, a manual can opener, a flashlight, a first aid kit, batteries, and extra pet food and pet supplies if necessary.

You may want to keep an emergency kit in your car, as well. If you need to evacuate your home, having copies of your insurance policies, estate documents like a trust or will, and identification can help in times of need. 

It may be difficult to obtain medical treatment or medications during inclement weather. Keep one month's worth of your medication on hand, along with any other medical supplies. A list of your medications and doctors' phone numbers can help others assist you as necessary. Inform a friend, neighbor, or loved one of your emergency plans and ask them to check on you. 

If you have medications that need refrigeration or medical devices that require power, consider getting a generator. Keep in mind that generators can be dangerous if not used correctly. You should only use these devices outside and place them at least 20 feet away from the home. Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home, as generators can increase your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to keep you and your family safe.

Staying inside as much as possible during winter months helps to protect you from several health complications. Still, when it comes to cold weather exposure-related injuries, 20% occur in the home. To keep yourself at an adequate temperature, drink warm beverages and eat hot meals and snacks during the day.

Though it may provide a temporary warming sensation, alcohol can cause you to lose body heat. Wear layers of warm clothing, socks, and slippers. Have extra throw blankets accessible and stay active to create body heat. You may want to use hot water bottles or heating pads, as well.  

Set your thermostat at 68 degrees or warmer. Hypothermia can occur in seniors at a thermostat setting between 60 and 65 degrees. Place a thermometer indoors for a sense of the temperature in your home.

Use caulk or weather stripping on doors and windows to prevent drafts. You can also place towels or draft stoppers under doors and windows. Keeping your blinds and windows closed can keep your home warmer, too. 

If you use a space heater, plug it into an outlet and not an extension cord. Do not use a space heater if the cord is damaged. If you have a fireplace or a wood stove, have your chimney inspected every year. Keep objects at least three feet away from heat sources, and never use an oven to heat your home.

Preparing yourself, your loved ones, and your home for the winter can feel overwhelming, but several resources can help you navigate colder months. First, talk to your friends, family, and neighbors about the types of support you may need. Many people in your community may be able to help with shoveling your driveway or a ride to the grocery store. 

Let someone know about your emergency winter weather plan and advise them of any needs. Tell them where you keep your supplies and medications and provide a key to your home in case of an emergency. 

Your town or city may have community events that can help you prepare for weather events. Check if your local government sends emergency alerts via phone or email. Keep up with weather notifications on the news or a weather app. Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) and the United Way can also assist you in these situations. 

AAAs are local agencies that provide services to seniors. Names vary by location. You can find yours with the Eldercare Locator or by calling 1-800-677-1116. The United Way provides many services, from evacuation information to finding food and shelter. For help, visit the 211 United Way website. You can also text, call, or email 211. 

Other resources can help you pay high electric bills in the winter. Adults with disabilities and/or lower incomes may qualify for energy assistance programs. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program that offers assistance with heating and cooling bills. Check if you qualify on the LIHEAP website. 

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) helps lower-income families improve the energy efficiency of their homes. These improvements can lower heating and cooling bills. Visit the WAP website for details on eligibility.

Cold temperatures and winter storms can take a toll on your home and body, regardless of your age, but older individuals are more affected by these elements. Prepare ahead of time by gathering supplies and making a plan that you share with your family, friends, and neighbors. Dressing warmly and staying indoors will help to keep you healthy and safe. Don't hesitate to ask for help and use available resources in your community.

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Additional research and writing by Matt Whittle