Stay Safe in the Cold: 12 Winter Safety Tips for Seniors
With the changeable weather in Australia and New Zealand it can be tough for seniors to make the lifestyle adjustment from summer to winter. The chillier months come with their own set of challenges, making it extra important for us to look out for older loved ones. In this article we explore common risk factors and suggestions for how seniors can stay safe, healthy and happy during the winter months.
In this article:
Stay Safe in the Cold: 12 Winter Safety Tips for Seniors
Winter as a senior in Australia and New Zealand
Why are seniors more at risk than others during winter?
What are the health risks seniors should be aware of in winter?
12 Winter Safety Tips for Seniors
Keep yourself warm to prevent chills and hypothermia
Reduce your risk of falls and other injuries
Combat common winter illnesses
Heart Attacks and High Blood Pressure
Be aware of seasonal depression
Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
Tread carefully in icy weather
Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule
Winter as a senior in Australia and New Zealand
In a recent study, 6.5% of deaths in Australia were attributed to cold weather. With national statistics showing one in six Australians and one in six new Zealanders aged 65 and older, staying safe during winter is becoming an increasingly important concern for the ageing population and their loved ones.
Why are seniors more at risk than others during winter?
As people age their bodies become frailer and less able to regulate internal temperature, making them more likely to contract illnesses and conditions such as pneumonia and influenza, and also being more adversely affected by them than younger people.
In 2022 influenza is a particularly large concern amongst rising COVID cases and cold weather, with the Australian Government rolling out a $2.1 billion support package to assist with the distribution and administration of flu vaccines throughout the country.
What are the health risks seniors should be aware of in winter?
Illness (pneumonia, flu)
Worsening of existing conditions (e.g. chronic pain, heart conditions)
Injuries resulting from falls
Hearth attacks and high blood pressure
Seasonal depression
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Dehydration
Fire risks
Vitamin D deficiency
Sleep disruption
Below we cover tips and advice to help you avoid and minimise these health risks.
12 Winter Safety Tips for Seniors
1. Prepare your home for winter
Senior Australians spend up to 75-80% of their time indoors, so preparing your home in advance for the colder months can be a lifesaver. Make sure your heating system is working properly and that your home is well-insulated. Get your aircon cleaned and serviced if you use it for heating to ensure it functions properly. Stock up on blankets, easy-to-prepare meals and other amenities. Ensuring you're prepared will reduce the need to go out during the chillier months and reduce the risk of catching cold or experiencing a fall
2. Keep yourself warm to prevent chills and hypothermia
Hypothermia is a condition that can occur when the body temperature falls below 35 degrees Celsius. It can be fatal, so it is important to take steps to prevent it from happening. Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, slurred speech, drowsiness, confusion, and numbness or weakness in the extremities.
There are several ways to help you manage your body temperature during the winter:
Wear warm clothing: Make sure to dress in layers and wear a hat, scarf, and gloves to keep as much body heat as possible.
Stay indoors: If possible, stay indoors and avoid going outside in cold weather. If you must go outside, limit your time outdoors and dress appropriately for the harsh conditions.
Drink warm fluids: Drink warm fluids such as soup, tea, or hot chocolate to help keep your body warm.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine: These substances can make you more susceptible to hypothermia because it causes your body to lose heat more quickly. It also impairs your judgement, which can lead to dangerous decisions in cold weather.
3. Reduce your risk of falls and other injuries
Seniors have an increased tendency for falls in the winter because they can lose their balance more easily on icy or slippery surfaces.
Older people also tend to stay indoors more during the winter months, which can lead to a lack of exercise and an increased risk of falls. Falls can often result in serious injuries, such as fractures and head injuries which can be life-threatening especially if a senior is living alone. Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to reduce your risk of falls during the winter months, including the following:
Wear appropriate clothing: Make sure to dress warmly and wear shoes with good traction.
Stay active: Do some light exercises even when indoors. You can do simple things like stretching, callisthenics, or yoga. You can also try dancing or walking in place.
Use caution when walking on icy surfaces: Be extra careful when walking on icy surfaces and use a cane or walker if necessary.
Consider wearing a fall detector pendant especially if you are living independently. A fall detector pendant can help seniors stay safe during winter because it can automatically call for help in case of a fall, especially when the fall leads the wearer to be unconscious or unable to reach for the phone.
4. Combat common winter illnesses
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that can be caused by exposure to cold weather. Symptoms of pneumonia include coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, and chills. Pneumonia can be a serious health condition, so it is important to take steps to prevent it from occurring.
There are several ways to prevent pneumonia, including the following:
Get a flu shot: The flu is a common cause of pneumonia, so it is important to get a flu shot every year.
Wash your hands regularly: This will help to prevent the spread of infection.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick: This will help lessen your chances of getting exposed to any sickness and getting more susceptible to pneumonia.
Don't smoke: Smoking increases your risk of developing pneumonia.
Joint Pain
Joint pain is a common problem for seniors during the winter season. The cold weather can aggravate existing joint problems and make it difficult to get around. There are several things that you can do to help ease joint pain, including the following:
Exercise regularly: Exercise can help to strengthen the muscles around the joints and increase flexibility.
Apply heat or cold: Applying a hot or cold compress to the affected area can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
Take over-the-counter medication: Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help to relieve pain.
Heart Attacks and High Blood Pressure
The cold weather can cause our blood vessels to constrict, which raises our blood pressure. This puts extra strain on the heart and can lead to a heart attack. Seniors are especially at risk for this because we often have underlying health conditions that can make the situation worse. If you have high blood pressure or other risk factors for heart disease, be sure to talk to your doctor about how to best stay safe during the winter months.
5. Be aware of seasonal depression
Seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a type of depression that can occur during the cold and dark winter days. Symptoms of SAD include feeling depressed most of the day, loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite or weight, and thoughts of death or suicide.
Seasonal affective disorder can affect everyone regardless of age, but seniors who live alone tend to struggle with it more often than others. One of the main factors that contributes to depression among older people is a lack of community or interpersonal relationships. This year-round issue, combined with the lack of Vitamin D in winter, makes the colder months especially difficult.
There are several things that you can do to help ease the symptoms of seasonal depression, including the following:
Get your Vitamin D in: Some people find that light therapy or supplements help to boost their Vitamin D levels. In addition to these physical remedies, the best way for you to help maintain seniors’ mental health is by spending quality time with them and making them feel loved.
Get some sunlight: Spend time outside, even if it is just for a short walk or stay by the window where the light enters your home. Natural light can help to significantly improve your mood.
Exercise regularly: Exercise releases endorphins which can help to improve your mood. It is important to find an exercise routine that you can do at home so you are more likely to stick with it even in the winter.
Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet can help to improve your mood and give you the energy you need to get through the day.
Talk to someone: An active social life is one of the cornerstones of avoiding depression. Even just talking to a friend, family member, therapist, or doctor can help you to feel better and give you someone to talk to about your feelings.
6. Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
One of the dangers of the winter months is the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, caused by faulty or unflued gas heaters in combination with inadequate ventilation. Although less common than in the past due to increased awareness and technology advancements, CO poisoning has still been responsible for accidental deaths even in the last decade.
Carbon monoxide is a gas that is odourless and colourless often caused by faulty indoor heating systems in your home so it can be difficult to detect. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide, especially with no proper ventilation, can cause serious health problems, including death.
There are several things that you can do to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, including the following:
Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home: This will help to alert you if there is carbon monoxide present in your home.
Make sure that all heaters are being used properly and serviced/checked regularly. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and do not leave them on unattended.
7. Stay hydrated
Dehydration is a common danger for seniors during the winter months. The cold weather and dry air can cause us to lose more fluids than normal, which can lead to dehydration. When we are dehydrated, our bodies are not able to function properly and we are at risk for several health problems, including kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and constipation. The symptoms of dehydration include thirst, dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, and decreased urination.
Here's how you can stay hydrated even in the winter:
Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don't feel thirsty. Water is the best choice, but you can also drink fruit juices and soups to get your daily dose of fluids.
It is also important to moderate intake of alcohol and caffeine, as they can dehydrate you.
If you think you are dehydrated, seek medical attention immediately.
8. Get enough Vitamin D
Many seniors are at risk for vitamin D deficiency during the winter months. The cold weather and lack of sunlight can cause us to lose more vitamin D than normal, which can lead to health problems. Vitamin D is important for maintaining bone health, preventing autoimmune diseases, and reducing the risk of cancer. The symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include fatigue, weakness, muscle pain, and joint pain.
Here's how you can get more Vitamin D even when the sun's not out:
During the winter months, it is also important to eat foods that are high in vitamin D, such as salmon, eggs, cheese, and fortified milk.
If you think you are deficient in vitamin D, talk to your doctor about taking Vitamin D supplements.
9. Be conscious of fire risks
Around 40 per cent of all fire deaths occur during winter, according to Fire & Rescue NSW, so it’s important to be extra vigilant as we begin to turn on our fireplaces and heaters. The best way to protect your loved ones from fire is to install smoke detectors in their home and remember to change the batteries every year. Seniors with dementia are especially likely to accidentally leave appliances on, so smoke detectors are even more important in such circumstances.
“Around 40 per cent of all fire deaths occur during winter.”
Another thing to remind seniors of is that they should keep linens and other flammables far away from open flames such as candles and fireplaces. Additionally, such items should also be kept away from heaters to minimise the chance of a fire starting.
10. Tread carefully in icy weather
If a senior family member or friend lives in an area that gets ice or snow during the winter months, there are a few more factors to consider. One of the most prevalent issues older people face during cold weather is pneumonia; the best way to combat this is to ensure they are fully vaccinated, regularly wash their hands and stay away from sick people.
Seniors also need to be especially careful on the road during winter if it’s icy out. The best way for you to help ensure your loved one’s safety is by checking to make sure the car is safe to drive (winter tyres, antifreeze, windshield wipers, etc.) and has an emergency supply kit.
Another common winter health hazard is slippery surfaces – due to the balance issues that come with age, older people need to take extra precautions to avoid slipping on ice. Make sure seniors have rubber-tipped canes
When venturing outside during winter, help your older loved ones take the necessary precautions to keep themselves healthy.
11. Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule
The winter months can be a challenge for seniors when it comes to their body clock. The cold weather and lack of sunlight can cause our body clocks to change, which can lead to sleep problems and fatigue.
Here are some tips so that the winter months don't mess with your sleep cycle:
It is important to get plenty of exposure to natural light during the daytime. Get outside for a walk or sit near a window so that you can soak up as much sunlight as possible.
It is also important to stick to a regular sleep schedule, even if you are not feeling sleepy.
If you are having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about possible solutions.
12. Stock up on medication
The winter season can be a difficult time for seniors, as the cold weather can lead to a number of health problems. The cold weather can also aggravate chronic pain so it can be quite challenging to be out and about like usual.
Prepare ahead of time and make sure you have enough medication to last you through the season. It's also ideal to get yourself a first-aid kit in case of emergencies.
How can Tunstall help seniors stay safe during the winter?
Tunstall Gem4
The winter months pose a lot of health and safety risks for the elderly. From slips and falls to common winter illnesses, the season can only get more challenging as you age and it is even more difficult if you are living independently. One of the best ways to reduce these risks is to wear a personal alarm. A personal alarm like the Tunstall Gem4, which is a wearable pendant that can serve as a fall detector, can help you call for aid if you do fall and are injured, or if you find yourself in a medical emergency.
Tunstall SmartLink Guardian 4G
Tunstall's Home Care products like the Tunstall SmartLink Guardian 4G allow individuals of all ages and capacities to live safely and independently in their own homes no matter the season. Tunstall also provides home alarm systems that are linked to a variety of environmental and activity sensors to create a smart home environment that can support a senior individual's well-being whether they live by themself or with the help of a caregiver.
Learn more by getting in touch with our team today.
