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Cold Weather Tips For Seniors
With winter upon us, the senior population needs to be aware of the potential dangers associated with cold weather on older people.
With age, the body becomes less able to respond to long exposure to extremes in temperature. In cold weather, older people may develop hypothermia, a significant temperature drop in body temperature that can be deadly if not detected immediately and treated properly. Lowered body temperature, which can result from being in a cool place for a long time, is a special problem for older people, many of who suffer from chronic illness or take medications that can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate its own temperature.
Dr. Michael Spilane, from the “Good Age” newsletter states “hypothermia can occur with prolonged exposure to temperatures as high as 65 degrees. Symptoms include sleepiness, fatigue, un-coordination and confusion. Shivering is often absent. So resist the temptation to save on the heating bill, and wear warm clothes indoors.”
In an attempt to keep warm, a seniors’ use of ovens, gas stoves with open flames, and the inappropriate use of space heaters for warmth can also pose other dangers. The use of open flame devices in the vicinity of oxygen tanks is particularly hazardous.
Some tips to better prepare for winter’s cold weather include:
Be sure to get your shots, including your flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
Dress warm by wearing several layers of loose clothing.
Sleep warm by wearing a nightcap or knit hat to bed and layering several blankets on the bed. A hot water bottle by your feet is a good idea.
If you drive, put a winter survival kit in the trunk – boots, gloves, heavy coat, blanket, flashlight and a box of chocolates. It is even a better idea to stay put when the wind chill is plunging.
Get out the humidifier – not the pan on the stove, a real humidifier. Keep it clean and filled. It will also help the sinuses, throat and respiratory passages.
Take baths rather than showers. Showers can actually promote dryness and irritation of the skin. Use a tablespoon of oil in the bath water and be stingy with the soap. Soaking in the bathtub for 10 minutes will leave you clean. If you must shower keep it brief.
Apply a good moisturizing lotion (for example, Wondra, Lubriderm or Keri) once or twice a day. Avoid cheap, smelly concoctions, and be generous with the lotion application.
Avoid alcohol since it actually increases the loss of heat from your body.
Avoid a fall. Tennis shoes or rubber boots are far safer than leather-bottomed shoes. A cane might complete the outfit. Wind is almost as risky as ice. Either element will get you if you are not constantly expectant. Presume that doors are going to fly at you. If there are stairs, look for the rail. If there is no rail, do not venture up the stairs.
Be prepared for possible power outages with flashlights, battery operated radio, and a cord-type phone on hand.
These are just a few of the precautions that can keep you safe during the winter months. If you should need further information, feel free to contact the HSC Rehabilitation Center at 501-332-7020.
Ann Gasper is the Marketing Coordinator for the Rehab and Wound Programs at HSC Medical Center.
