How to Keep Warm in the Winter
Now that winter is upon us, it is important
to prepare for the harsh weather conditions. The cold weather can be extra
dangerous for the elderly which is why it is very important to make sure the
proper precautions are taken. Remember, these cold temperatures can be much
harsher on people who are older. It is
important to know the signs and symptoms if your body temperature drops too
low. Some potential risk factors for seniors during the winter months include:
hypothermia, influenza and the potential to slip and fall in the icy/wet
ground.
There are several precautions that you can take to make sure you will have a safe and secure winter season. First things first, make sure you dress warmly (think layers!) Tip: Make sure the layers are light weight. Of course, you want to be warm, but you do not want to make yourself uncomfortable. Also, it is important to note that skin tends to become thinner as you age and additionally, certain medications can cause dry skin. These factors combined with cold weather could potentially be very painful.
Keeping body heat contained is a great way to make sure you stay warm on cold winter days Tip: Invest in some mittens – not gloves. Fingers act as little heaters which make them the warmer option.
There are several precautions that you can take to make sure you will have a safe and secure winter season. First things first, make sure you dress warmly (think layers!) Tip: Make sure the layers are light weight. Of course, you want to be warm, but you do not want to make yourself uncomfortable. Also, it is important to note that skin tends to become thinner as you age and additionally, certain medications can cause dry skin. These factors combined with cold weather could potentially be very painful.
Keeping body heat contained is a great way to make sure you stay warm on cold winter days Tip: Invest in some mittens – not gloves. Fingers act as little heaters which make them the warmer option.
Stay Warm from inside your house. Let’s start from the inside of the house. Do you have any curtains or blinds? If so, please make sure most of those remain closed to contain the inside heat. It may be worth it to do some extra preventative protection around windows and doors through caulking. Make sure the thermostat stays between 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit to keep warm conditions inside your house. It could be helpful to store light weight blankets around, to cover yourself if you still feel chilly. Tip: 30-50% of your body heat is lost through your head, so it is important to make sure you keep a warm hat on your senior loved one if you are venturing outdoors, or even inside the house.
Space heaters could be a way to keep a room extra warm (if you are finding it difficult to get the temperature warm enough). Please use caution if you choose to utilize those though! Some could emit carbon monoxide – which is very difficult for a senior to eliminate from their body which could be dangerous. Make sure you have up-to-date carbon monoxide detectors, because this potentially harmful gas is difficult to identify otherwise.
A healthy, well-balanced diet. Diet is very important to maintain their
health. It also can be a way they can stay warm! Hot tea and soup is a
wonderful way to keep your body temperature warm from the inside out. Tip: Make
sure you are still drinking 8-10 8oz glasses of water a day. The winter weather
brings very dry air which can be damaging (and painful) to skin. Also, (of
course) you want to make sure to stay hydrated.
Outside precautions When heading outdoors, it is very important to make sure your wear nonslip/nonskid shoes. These special shoes can help prevent a fall in icy or wet conditions. Tip: If you require the assistance of a cane, make sure the bottom of the cane is resistant to slipping as well. In addition, when entering the house from outside – it is very important to remove your shoes. You don’t want to risk dragging ice and water throughout the house and potentially slipping later on. Don’t forget to salt the entire vicinity where you will be walking. Better yet, have a friend or family member do this for you.
Outside precautions When heading outdoors, it is very important to make sure your wear nonslip/nonskid shoes. These special shoes can help prevent a fall in icy or wet conditions. Tip: If you require the assistance of a cane, make sure the bottom of the cane is resistant to slipping as well. In addition, when entering the house from outside – it is very important to remove your shoes. You don’t want to risk dragging ice and water throughout the house and potentially slipping later on. Don’t forget to salt the entire vicinity where you will be walking. Better yet, have a friend or family member do this for you.
The harsh
winter weather can be extremely difficult and unforgiving, but with the proper
precautions you can keep your senior loved one safe and comfortable (even in
the toughest weather season).
Information summarized from an article by Dominique Curtain.
