6 Winter Safety Tips for Seniors

Posted by Donna Mae Scheib on December 01, 2017

6 Winter Safety Tips for Seniors

The winter season brings the excitement of the holidays, shorter days, colder temperatures and—for many states here in the US—inclement weather conditions (think snow, ice, strong winds and freezing rain).  It’s important for everyone to take the right precautionary measures to ensure winter safety, and this is especially true for seniors—they are among the most vulnerable during this time.

With that in mind, here’s a list of safety tips for seniors to stay safe and warm all winter long.

Charge and Update Devices

Make sure that batteries are working for smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and flashlights. If you have a mobile device, make sure it’s charged before you leave the house, especially if you do not have access to a charger in your car.

Prevent Falls

Make sure your sidewalk and driveway are properly salted or sanded. When walking on slippery surfaces, wear shoes with good traction and don’t be afraid to ask for help from neighbors, family or friends when getting in and out of the car or walking around outside. If you feel you’re vulnerable to falling, keep a mobile phone or an alert device with you at all times so you can contact someone to help you if a fall does occur.

Prep Your Car for Winter

Keep your car prepared for winter emergencies—store in your vehicle an emergency kit containing nonperishable food, a flashlight, a blanket, an extra hat, a scarf and a pair of gloves. You may also consider keeping an electric battery charger on hand. Be sure your car’s heating system works properly and have extra anti-freeze fluid handy in case it needs to be refilled. If you are hesitant to go out in bad weather, don’t be afraid to reschedule and wait for clearer roads; if it is necessary to go out, phone a family member or friend who can get you where you need to be.

Stay Warm

Set your home’s thermostat to at least 68 degrees. When headed outside, dress to stay warm by wearing proper cold-weather attire—layering is always a good option as you can always take off coats, hats, scarves, sweaters, etc. as needed. Being outside for an extended period of time in the extreme cold can be hard on your body, so limit your exposure to these temperatures and cover all exposed skin—including face and neck—to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. It’s not only okay to be cautious, it’s encouraged. After all, older adults lose body heat more quickly than others, especially if they have medical illnesses that affect their body’s ability to self-regulate temperature.

Keep Active

During the winter months, seniors are vulnerable to depression and isolation as wintery conditions make it harder to get out of the house and stay active—physically, socially and mentally. Encourage family members and neighbors to visit during these times. Maybe ask if they can drive you to social or physical activities during the week. It’s also a great idea to plan ahead for when bad weather strikes—brainstorm three-days’ worth of activities you can do around the house during these times, whether it’s working on a special project, doing a fun hobby or organizing and decluttering your space. Find something ahead of time to help you stay busy and focused for those days when cabin fever strikes!

Request Help for Snow Removal

Paramedics receive numerous calls each winter about seniors having heart attacks while shoveling snow from their driveway and sidewalks. Shoveling snow is a physical activity that requires energy for both the task at hand and for keeping your body temperature regulated in the cold weather. Consider setting aside space in your budget for a snow blower or to have a neighbor remove snow for you during the winter season. If money is tight, google whether there is a charitable organization in your city that can send someone