The winter can be a dangerous time for elderly people. It’s cold and often a lot of ice and snow, increasing the risk of falls and other injuries.
Because of this, many people want to know what the elderly can do to take care of themselves during the winter months. What strategies are available to them?
That’s the topic of this article. It explores some of the tactics that the elderly can use and how these can have a profound effect on their overall well-being and the risks they face at this time of the year.
Wear A Medical Alert Device
The wintertime can be a period when chronic disease issues flare and create more problems than usual. For example, cold weather can lead to increases in blood pressure for some people.
For this reason, it’s a good idea for older adults to wear medical alert devices at this time of year. These can summon help in an emergency, ensuring medical attention arrives promptly and without delay.
Simple versions of these devices have a button that elderly people can press. More complex ones have a button and sensors that send alert signals automatically in the event of a fall or changes in key biomarkers, like heart rate or blood oxygenation. Reliable devices offering medical alert for seniors may also include simple push-button systems or more advanced options with fall detection and health monitoring, helping ensure timely assistance when it’s needed most.
Ensure Sufficient Vitamin D
Because older people will be spending a lot of time inside, it is critical to ensure sufficient vitamin D intake. Getting enough of the sunshine vitamin can ward off unpleasant health conditions and improve overall feelings of wellness and vitality.
Vitamin D deficiency can be a serious problem for many older people, leading to things like weakened immunity and bones. Therefore, getting it from diet and a supplement is essential.
Most supplements contain around 2000 IU, which is what more professionals recommend on winter days when sun exposure isn’t possible. Vitamin D can also come from fortified foods, like milk, and other products, like eggs and salmon.
Remain Active Inside
Staying active inside is also a kind of safety tip, just because of the risks of frailty that a lot of elderly people face when they don’t move around as much.
Staying active indoors includes things like moving to increase joint mobility and circulation. It can also boost mood, which is critical for a lot of older people who can’t see friends and family.
Prolonged sitting is a no-no unless the person has a disability. It’s essential to get up and move around every so often, at least once per hour, to allow for the shearing forces inside blood vessels to maintain barrier function.
Prepare For Emergencies
Another safety tip for elderly people in the winter is to prepare for emergencies. Sometimes, it isn’t possible to get outside and leave the house.
Preparing for emergencies usually means stocking up on food, water, and medications. However, elderly people can also benefit from keeping additional fuel in the home for warmth and flashlights or battery-powered lighting if there’s a power cut for whatever reason. In such a case, it can also be helpful to have a professional who offers emergency electrical services saved to their phone so that they can get in touch and have the issue resolved where possible. Keeping a quick easy list of contacts for them generally can also be a good idea, to let them know they’re only a phone call away from help.
It also helps if the car is winter-ready (if they’re still driving). This preparedness means they can travel to someone else’s home or a shelter that still has an electricity supply.
Monitor Health Closely
Monitoring overall health closely during winter is also essential. This time of the year can be harmful, if not outright dangerous, for a lot of people.
For example, cold weather can make conditions like arthritis much worse for a lot of people. It can also worsen conditions like respiratory illnesses and heart disease, meaning many people are at higher risk because of the significantly cooler weather.
The advice here is to ensure elderly people get regular checkups with their doctors during the colder months. These can ensure they are on the right medications to control their risk factors.
It’s also a good idea to get a safe seasonal flu shot. These don’t always prevent flu from occurring, but they can reduce its severity by ensuring the body has the necessary antibodies to fight it off.
Beyond these essential medical precautions, maintaining consistent daily support and a safe living environment is crucial for elderly individuals, particularly during challenging seasons. For many families, ensuring their loved ones receive comprehensive, compassionate assistance at home becomes a priority as needs evolve. Professional home care services can offer invaluable support, from medication reminders and personal care to meal preparation and companionship, allowing seniors to maintain their independence and dignity. In areas like Philadelphia, dedicated Philadelphia home care services are available to provide tailored care plans that adapt to individual requirements, ensuring peace of mind for both seniors and their families. This holistic approach helps bridge the gap between self-management and necessary external support, fostering a higher quality of life.
Stay Hydrated And Eat Well
Elderly people can enhance their safety by also staying hydrated and eating well. Consuming the proper foods and consuming sufficient water can reduce the risk associated with dehydration.
The best drinks are plain water or herbal teas. These don’t contain any sugar or other nasty chemicals and may provide immune support.
Consuming nutrient-dense foods also helps with immunity and overall health. Some studies show that people with chronic conditions can make them go away, just by changing what they eat.
Prevent Slips Or Falls
Another safety tip is to look for ways to prevent slips and falls in the winter, something that becomes more common at this time of year. Start by investing in interior or indoor mats that make slipping less likely inside the home. These usually go in places where slips are most likely, like the kitchen and bathroom.
You can also invest in non-slip footwear for your elderly relatives. These can be even more effective since they are essentially wearing anti-slip technology wherever they go.
Outside, don’t forget to keep paths and driveways ice-free. It’s handy to keep an electric snow blower close by in case paths become impassable. These devices are essential for clearing away snow that could be a slip or trip hazard on the way out of the home. Elderly people can carry these with them and blast themselves a path, or their family can do it for them, depending on their requirements.
Keep Warm Indoors
Lastly, elderly people need to keep warm indoors during the winter. Ideally, you want to keep the temperature somewhere between 68 and 70°F for comfortable living. Going down to 66°F may be okay for some people, but it can be too cold for others unless they’re wrapped up warm.
When going outside, elderly people must layer themselves with the right clothing to prevent hypothermia. Wool and fleece-based apparel is the best, alongside various thermal socks and a wooly hat. These prevent the extremities from becoming too cold which can cause issues, like frostbite.