Important Winter Safety Tips For Our Elderly Adults

Have you ever considered the health hazards for elderly senior citizens during the cold months of winter? Many senior citizens travel to warmer areas of the country to live during the winter, because they can't deal with the cold. But there are others who must deal with the weather conditions and the freezing temperatures no matter how cold it becomes. These are the senior citizens who can be most at risk of becoming injured or ill during the wintertime.

Senior adults that find they must deal with harsh weather conditions should consider these safety tips:

1. It is important to understand hypothermia. Hypothermia is a condition that causes a person's body temperature to drop abnormally low, often to a dangerously low temperature level. Hypothermia can be fatal and you should be aware of the symptoms:

a. Excessive shivering
b. Feelings of confusion
c. Feelings of sleepiness
d. Loss of energy
e. Cold skin which has an ashy or pale coloring
f. Slow breathing rate
g. Reduced heart rate

2. It is important to understand frostbite. Frostbite is a condition where a person's skin is exposed to the cold and is severely damaged. When the skin is damaged it can go all the way to the bone. When this happens, it can lead to a loss of limbs. The most affected areas of the body for frostbite are the ears, nose, cheeks, fingers and toes.

When the weather conditions are very cold, senior adults should protect themselves. Here are some protective measures they should consider:

· Always wear another layer of clothing, coat and gloves, socks and shoes when it becomes necessary to go outdoors. Return indoors immediately if your skin starts to turn red or turns dark or begins to ache. This could be a sign of frostbite.

· Because senior citizens are not physically able to remove snow from driveways and other outdoor work, they often become injured attempting to handle these chores themselves. It would be best to hire a professional to care for the property rather than risk personal injury to the senior adult.

· Before severe weather conditions happen, it would be best for the elderly person who walks with a cane to modify it in such a way that it help increase stability. Adding a metal grip to the bottom of the cane could keep the elderly person from slipping on patches of ice or snow.

· Remove shoes immediately after entering the home from the wet, cold snow outdoors. When the snow melts in the warm home, it will leave puddles of water in various places, which would be slippery and could cause a person to fall and become injured. Having a bench or chair close by so that you can sit to remove your shoes would be very helpful.

· Exercise is very important for senior adults as it helps the muscles to remain strong and flexible. It also helps with balance and coordination and helps to reduce risk of injury.

We must all prepare for the winter months of snow, sleet and freezing temperatures. Even though it is difficult for all of us to plan ahead and take steps to protect ourselves, our senior citizens are the most vulnerable. These individuals need a little extra attention to help keep them safe and warm during the long, cold days of winter.