Cold weather tips for seniors
Posted on January 17, 2019
As we age, cold weather can be extremely dangerous, leading to hypothermia and other serious injuries. Below are some safety tips…
- Dress in multiple layers:
- Older adults can lose body heat quickly but be unaware that a change in the body temperature is occurring, making them susceptible to hypothermia
- If going outside wear warm socks, a heavy coat, a warm hat, gloves, scarf, and shoes with traction
- For those at home think about:
- Keeping the furnace at 68 degrees at a minimum
- Limiting the use of space heaters as they can be dangerous (they create a risk for fires and can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning)
- Creating a small safety kit which includes;
- Bottled water
- Medications
- Hand warmers
- A whistle
- Flashlight
- Make sure the pantry is full
How to prevent & identify hypothermia and frostbite:
| Frostbite | Damage to the skin that can go all the way down to the bone
Most likely to occur on body parts farthest from the heart (fingers, toes, nose, ears cheeks, chin) Heart disease and circulation problems create higher risk; could even result in loss of limbs |
Cover up all parts of your body
Go inside right away if your skin turns red or dark or starts hurting
|
Warning signs:
Skin that is white or ashy or grayish-yellow Skin that feels hard or waxy Numbness If it occurs, run the area under warm water (not hot) and get medical help |
| Hypothermia | Body temperature drops to a dangerous level (below 95° F)
Shivering is not a reliable waning sign because elders tend to shiver less or not at all when their body temperature drops |
Limit time outside or just stay indoors
Stay dry Dress smart |
Warning signs:
Skin that is pale or ashy Feeling tired, confused, sleepy Feeling weak Difficulty walking Slowed breathing or heart rate If it occurs, call 911 |