Winter Safety Tips for Seniors
Harsh weather can bring special challenges to seniors and their caregivers. Prepare yourself so you stay healthy and safe in severe winter conditions.
Dressing for Cold Weather
Cold temperatures can lead to frostbite and hypothermia—a condition where the body temperature dips too low. More than half of hypothermia-related deaths were of people over the age of 65, according to the CDC.
Bundle Up
Keep indoor temperatures warm and dress in layers. If going outside in very cold temperatures, cover all exposed skin. Use a scarf to cover your mouth and protect your lungs. When venturing outside make sure you are outfitted with: warm socks, hat, gloves, scarf, and a heavy coat.
Prevent Falls in Slippery Conditions
Icy, snowy roads and sidewalks make it easy to slip and fall. Falls are a leading cause of death from injury in men and women over the age of 65. Help prevent falls in winter weather:
Good Nutrition
Proper nutrition in the winter months can boost immunity and help provide seniors with much-needed nutrients to ward off wintertime ailments. A healthy immune system can help ward off the germs that cause colds and the flu and even help minimize a cold’s duration.
Nutrition tips for your best immunity:
Harsh weather can bring special challenges to seniors and their caregivers. Prepare yourself so you stay healthy and safe in severe winter conditions.
Dressing for Cold Weather
Cold temperatures can lead to frostbite and hypothermia—a condition where the body temperature dips too low. More than half of hypothermia-related deaths were of people over the age of 65, according to the CDC.
Bundle Up
Keep indoor temperatures warm and dress in layers. If going outside in very cold temperatures, cover all exposed skin. Use a scarf to cover your mouth and protect your lungs. When venturing outside make sure you are outfitted with: warm socks, hat, gloves, scarf, and a heavy coat.
Prevent Falls in Slippery Conditions
Icy, snowy roads and sidewalks make it easy to slip and fall. Falls are a leading cause of death from injury in men and women over the age of 65. Help prevent falls in winter weather:
- Stay indoors until roads are clear and conditions have dried
- Wear shoes with good traction and non-skid soles
- Replace a worn cane tip
- Take shoes off immediately after coming indoors
Good Nutrition
Proper nutrition in the winter months can boost immunity and help provide seniors with much-needed nutrients to ward off wintertime ailments. A healthy immune system can help ward off the germs that cause colds and the flu and even help minimize a cold’s duration.
Nutrition tips for your best immunity:
- Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables rich in nutrients such as citrus, cabbage, broccoli, pumpkin, sweet potato, and spinach
- Fight infections with zinc. Zinc is found in fish, oysters, poultry, eggs, milk, unprocessed grains, and cereals
- Drink hot tea to help ward off germs
- Include good bacteria in your diet. Products such as kefir, yogurt and sauerkraut provide live cultures that help fight off infections
- Take a daily multivitamin
