Winter comes with low temperatures and brutal weather. Older adults need to take precautions in order to stay warm and well.
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Keep warm inside the house and in buildings. Throw on a sweater while in the house and keep your home to at least 68-70 degrees.
- Place rolled up towels in front of doors to keep out drafts from coming inside your home.
- It is important to make sure to eat enough food to keep you from losing weight, since body fat helps to warm the body.
When outside:
- On very cold days, try to stay inside as much as possible.
- Check the weather before leaving the house.
- Wear hats and scarves to conserve body heat.
- Dress warmly: Older adults lose body heat faster compared to when they were younger. It is important to dress appropriately and have adequate clothing to provide warmth.
When a person gets too cold and the body temperature becomes low, a person is at risk for hypothermia and other health problems.
Early Signs of Hypothermia:
- Slurred speech
- Cold hands and feet
- Puffy face
- Pale skin
- Being confused
Later signs of Hypothermia:
- Moving slowly, trouble walking
- Slow heartbeat
- Shallow breathing
- Losing consciousness
Source:
National Institute on Aging. Cold Weather Safety for Older Adults.
Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/cold-weather-safety-older-adults