With cooler temperatures, snowy landscapes, and holiday gatherings with family and friends, winter is a time of joy and festivity for many. But this season also brings potential risks for the health and well-being of older adults.
Proactive planning and preparation can make all the difference in staying safe and healthy during the colder months. Learn more about how to avoid weather-related injuries, illnesses, and more in our winter safety guide below.
Preventing Falls Outside When It's Icy or Snowy
Harsh winter conditions can create more opportunities for slips and falls among the elderly. Sidewalks, driveways, and stairs can quickly accumulate snow and ice that can be dangerous and difficult for anyone, but is more so if you have existing mobility issues.
Fortunately, you or your loved one can reduce the risk of falls with some fall prevention tactics
- Before the season arrives, install railings along steps and walkways.
- Keep walkways shoveled and clear of ice. If you’re unable to remove snow and ice yourself, consider hiring someone to take care of this.
- Wear rubber-soled, low-heeled footwear with good traction.
- Use canes, walkers, or other mobility aids for support.
- Stay indoors if conditions are slick. Delivery services or family and friends can help bring you any essentials.
Avoiding Outdoor Health Risks in Winter
Cold weather can bring other physical threats if you aren't cautious. Hypothermia and frostbite are potential risks for anyone, but older adults may be more susceptible.
Aging often means decreased metabolism and less ability to regulate body temperature. Seniors who have lost muscle mass, lower levels of body fat, and thinner skin have less natural insulation. Additionally, people with conditions like diabetes or heart disease may also have poor circulation, which makes it harder to retain heat.
Take Safety Precautions When It's Cold
Follow outdoor winter safety best practices to reduce the risk of hypothermia and frostbite:
- Don't spend long periods of time outside when the temperature is near or below freezing.
- If you do need to go out, dress in warm clothes, including a hat, scarf, and gloves. Wear a waterproof jacket if it's raining or snowing.
- Let someone know your plans if you leave home and could be out a long time in the cold. Take a fully charged cellphone with you, and if practical, have a blanket and an emergency kit at the ready.
- Eat enough healthy food to maintain your weight and limit alcohol intake. This can improve your body's ability to effectively conserve heat.
- Stay active to keep your blood circulating and your muscles warm.
Know the Signs of Hypothermia
Hypothermia happens when your core temperature falls below 95°F. That isn’t something you can easily measure, so it’s crucial to know the signs and symptoms, as hypothermia can quickly develop into a medical emergency that can lead to heart arrhythmia, heart failure, and kidney or liver damage.
Symptoms of hypothermia include:
- Cold hands and feet
- Swollen face
- Paler than usual skin
- Shivering
- Slow or slurred speech
- Sleepiness
- Confusion
With prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, you may notice jerky movements, a slowed breathing or heart rate, or even loss of consciousness.
When to take action: With any signs of hypothermia, get to a warm location indoors as quickly as you can. Change out of any wet clothing and put on dry items, and wrap up in a coat or blanket. It's the safest bet to call 911 in all cases, but it's crucial to do so if there are any cognitive symptoms, movement issues, or breathing difficulty or if you or your loved one are unable to warm up.
Realize the Dangers of Frostbite
Frostbite can happen any time skin is exposed to a temperature or wind chill that's at or below the freezing point: 32°F. Hands, feet, nose, and ears are the most common sites for developing frostbite, which can cause permanent damage to skin, tissue, nerves, and the musculoskeletal system. In severe cases, it can lead to gangrene and require amputation.
The first stage is frostnip, where you may feel light pain, tingling, and numbness. Symptoms that indicate an increasing danger of frostbite include:
- Hard and cold skin
- Changes in skin color (including red, white, blue, gray, purple, or brown)
- Aching or throbbing
- Joint stiffness
- Loss of feeling
When to take action: At the first sign of frostbite, head indoors as soon as possible. Remove any jewelry from the affected area before it swells. Contact emergency or urgent care and follow their instructions. The Mayo Clinic recommends starting frostbite treatment with a slow rewarming process by soaking the frostbitten area in warm water. Do not use hot water or apply direct heat, such as from a heater, heating pad, heat lamp, or blow dryer.
Preparing for Wintertime in Your Home
It's just as important to be cautious when you spend time inside during cold-weather months. Even indoors, hypothermia can be a risk for some people. Plus, there are utility, electrical, heat efficiency, and falling concerns inside the home.
Here are some ways to help keep your home warm and safe throughout winter:
Thermostat Settings
Keep your indoor temperature above 68°F. Officials warn that even mildly cool homes set at a continuous 60-65°F can lead to hypothermia in older adults, especially those who are frail and inactive.
Utility and Appliance Checks
Get a check at least once a year that your home's power and heat sources—including fireplaces—are reliable and safe for use. Be prepared with plans in case you face an extended outage, gas leak, electrical issue, or carbon monoxide problem.
Heating Devices
Use caution with space heaters, heating pads, and electric blankets. Always remember to unplug them after use and whenever you leave your home. While heating devices can be beneficial for staying warm indoors, they can be health and fire hazards if not used and maintained properly.
Insulation Hacks
Boost your home's heat efficiency by eliminating drafts around doors and windows with weather stripping or caulk. On sunny days, open blinds and curtains to let in natural heat, but close them before nightfall to help trap the warmth inside.
Fall Prevention Measures
Since it gets dark early, make sure you have good lighting throughout your home. Wipe floors dry right away if people come inside wearing wet shoes, and place absorbent, nonslip rugs at entrances and along main pathways through the house.
Understanding the Impact of Cold on Seniors' Health
Sometimes, cold temperatures can trigger certain health issues for seniors, while other health issues make it harder for seniors to tolerate the cold. Factor in seasonal mental health concerns, and there's a lot to look out for.
Conditions that Get Worse with Cold Weather
Take some precautions if you or your loved one have these health issues:
- Asthma: Humidity in the air often drops when the temperature drops, and the combination can dry out or irritate your airways and trigger asthma flare-ups.
- Eczema: People with this chronic condition are already dealing with dry skin that can feel tight, itchy, inflamed, bumpy, or scaly. Cold, blustery winds and air with low humidity help moisture evaporate faster, making wintertime eczema worse.
- Cardiovascular Disease: Cold temperatures can make blood vessels constrict to keep blood closer to the core of the body. This increases blood pressure even without any exertion.
- Raynaud's Syndrome: Exposure to cold can trigger this phenomenon. With Raynaud's, small blood vessels under the skin react to temperature drops by constricting so much that fingers, toes, and other extremities can become bloodless and numb.
Conditions that Make It Harder to Handle the Cold
Certain afflictions can prevent aging people from making themselves warm enough to withstand cold temperatures. Here are some of the most common issues and the challenges they pose:
| Health Issue | Difficulties in Cold Weather |
| Arthritis | Joint flexibility challenges can make it difficult to dress in enough layers |
| Decreased Muscle Mass and Slower Metabolism | Body may be less effective in generating additional heat in response to cold |
| Diabetes | Reduced blood flow can lower ability to produce enough body heat |
| Hypothyroidism | Body less able to regulate temperature |
| Memory Conditions (such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia) | Can prevent remembering to dress appropriately for the weather |
| Parkinson’s Disease | Body less able to regulate temperature; mobility challenges can make it difficult to dress in enough layers or move to a warmer location |
| Peripheral Vascular Disease | Decreased circulation can lower ability to produce enough body heat |
| Stroke | Can affect body’s ability to regulate temperature |
Mental Health Considerations for Seniors in Winter
Cold and short days can lead people to feel isolated and depressed. Seniors need to have someone they can reach out to if the winter doldrums bring them down.
If you have senior friends or family, take time to check on them, especially if they don't get out much. Whether indoors when it’s chilly or outdoors on warmer days, seek out hobbies and social activities that support seniors' mental and emotional well-being all season.
Forming Good Habits to Fight Winter Illnesses
Although chilly temperatures don't directly cause the common cold or the flu, they play a role in the spread of respiratory illnesses.
Cold air with low humidity levels can dry out your body's natural barriers in the nose and throat and reduce your immune defenses, making it easier for germs and viruses to take hold. People also usually spend more time indoors during winter, creating more opportunities for person-to-person contact.
Maintaining healthy habits and preventive care can help you reduce the risk of getting sick.
- When going out in public or attending social gatherings, avoid crowds and people who are sick. Wash your hands frequently, and try not to touch your nose or mouth.
- Eat properly, and stay hydrated. Good nutrition habits support your immune system and help your body generate heat and energy. Warm soups, fruits, vegetables, and drinks like apple cider or tea promote hydration while also keeping you feeling cozy.
- Continue to visit the doctor for routine appointments and when you don't feel well. Healthcare shouldn't be put off until spring. Also, stay up to date on vaccines recommended for seniors, such as flu and pneumonia.
- Remain active as much as possible and take in some sunlight when you can. The increased blood circulation and Vitamin D exposure can help keep your immune system strong.
Focus on Safety and Health with Help from BrightStar Care
Being proactive and attentive is the key to staying safe and healthy during the holidays. With proper precautions and adequate preparation, you and your loved ones can avoid injury and illness and enjoy the winter season.
BrightStar Care caregivers can help you and your loved ones get ready for cold weather and stay vigilant all winter long. Whether you're looking for in-home care services for your loved one or a reliable medical staffing partner for your organization, our nurse-led care teams are ready to help. Find a location near you contact us online, or call 866-618-7827 to speak with a local care expert and learn more about how BrightStar Care offers A Higher Standard®.