6 health and safety tips for older adults in winter

The slippery sidewalks and cold winter weather can increase the risk of injuries among older adults. You can avoid such injuries by following a few health and safety tips. Besides, keeping up with your annual physicals at a family clinic in Nashville can also help you stay aware of your physical condition and take necessary action to stay healthy. This blog will share a few health and safety tips for seniors during winter.

Avoid slipping on ice

During winter, the icy and snowy roads and sidewalks can make walking challenging. As a result, accidental slips and falls are pretty common during winter. These falls can cause varying levels of injuries, even causing deaths. Hence, doctors recommend wearing shoes with good traction and non-skid soles. In addition, replace your worn cane tips to walk comfortably outdoors. Moreover, we also suggest you remove your shoes once you return. Otherwise, the snow attached to the soles of your shoes will melt and cause a slippery situation indoors.

Wear warm clothes

Cold temperatures can often cause hypothermia and frostbite. Therefore, seniors should wear warm clothes when heading outdoors. If needed, wear layers of clothing to avoid feeling cold. If you have COPD or any other lung-related issue, follow your doctor's advice to avoid worsening your condition.

Fight winter depression

Cold and gloomy weather and lack of sun rays in winter can affect anyone's mood, and seniors are no exception. Besides, as getting around can be difficult, seniors may feel lonely. In such conditions, family members should check on the elders from time to time. Besides, regular exercise will also help keep seniors physically and mentally healthy, which will help them avoid depression.

Better prepare for power outages

Winter storms can cause power outages. Hence, ensure that seniors have easy access to flashlights and a battery-powered radio to deal with the situation when the power goes out. Moreover, they should have warm blankets stored. When the power goes out, seniors should wear several layers of clothing. You can check the winter checklist from CDC and ensure your senior loved one has everything with them they might need.

Consume a varied diet

As seniors might spend more time indoors, their diet may include fewer food variations. Such a diet can cause nutritional deficits, which can cause various health issues. For instance, vitamin D deficiency can cause health concerns, such as depression, osteoporosis, cognitive health decline, etc. Hence, consult your doctor to learn about the essential food every senior should consume. Further, ensure that your senior loved ones should have access to these nutritious foods throughout winter.

Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning

Using a fireplace or a heater at home can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. In such conditions, check the batteries of their carbon monoxide detectors and, if needed, provide them with an updated one to ensure the safety of seniors.

Following all these tips can help keep seniors safe and healthy during winter. Always encourage seniors to ask for help. It can be stocking up on groceries or clearing snow and ice from their property; they should ask a relative, neighbor, or hire a professional instead of getting the job done alone. Moreover, seniors should visit a medical clinic in Nashville for regular health checkups to stay healthy during winter.