When the weather outside is frightful, it pays to focus on safety. Do you know how to keep yourself happy and healthy during the winter? If not, these winter safety tips for seniors will get you on the right track.
Winter Safety Tips for Seniors
Now that the holidays are behind us, it’s time to batten down the hatches and prepare for the rest of the winter. While it’s a good idea to be smart about the cold, there’s no reason the season should get in the way of a fun and active lifestyle. All you need are some winter safety tips for seniors, and you’ll thrive no matter what the thermometer says outside.
Why Do Seniors Need to Be Careful in the Winter?
You may be wondering why winter safety tips for seniors are so important. After all, senior safety is essential all year round. However, winter holds some unique hazards for seniors that can be particularly dangerous if you aren’t aware of them:
- Because your body changes as you age, it can be difficult for seniors to regulate their internal temperature. As a result, conditions like hypothermia and frostbite become more likely.
- Winter brings ice and snow, which creates a severe fall risk for seniors. Falls caused by bad winter weather are amongst the most common causes of serious injuries for seniors.
Because winter can be a dangerous time for seniors, it’s a good idea to be proactive about taking care of yourself. So, how can you do that?
Keep It Warm and Cozy
Because cold temperatures can cause so many problems for seniors, it’s a good idea to focus on keeping yourself comfortably warm throughout the winter months:
- Try to keep your living space between 68 and 70 degrees throughout the winter and limit your exposure to cold temperatures as much as possible.
- If you must go out in the cold, bundle up with multiple layers, and shed anything that gets wet before it can lower your body temperature.
- Once you’re back inside, treat yourself to some fuzzy socks or a blanket over your lap to get your body temperature up.
Avoid Slips and Falls
Staying warm is essential, but it’s only half the battle regarding winter safety. The other important aspect is avoiding weather-related accidents, which you can do with a little bit of extra preparation:
- Ask your doctor to evaluate your winter fall risk at your next appointment. They’ll be able to advise on managing your existing conditions and recommend items that could help, such as mobility aids.
- Always allow extra time when traveling in the winter. Even if you’ll be a minute or two late, moving slowly and carefully is the best way to limit your fall risk.
- Try to limit your travels to areas cleared of ice and snow, and avoid traveling on lousy weather days if possible. If you have to go out, bundle up and wear shoes with good traction, like snow boots.
- Carry a small bag of sand or kitty litter with you on snowy or icy days. You can sprinkle it in front of your feet and gain extra traction on dangerous terrain.
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If you’re tired of making it through the winter by yourself, assisted living could be the answer you’re seeking. Assisted living communities handle the winter weather for you. Come visit us and see how easy winter can be!
Are you looking for a community that provides a positive, healthy atmosphere where you can live out your golden years? The Shores of Lake Phalen is an assisted living and memory care community in a quiet, peaceful environment in Maplewood, Minnesota. Surrounded by a gorgeous wooded setting between two lakes, our residence offers the accessibility of apartment-style housing with the atmosphere and elegance of a resort. We offer numerous health and safety amenities, fun events and activities, a friendly and accommodating staff, and much more. Schedule a tour of the community to explore our spacious apartments, elegant dining room, and more. We look forward to hearing from you!