Better With Age: Snow, Ice & Cold Weather Safety for Seniors

By Kaitlin Irwin

It may have been a relatively mild October, but winter is coming and you don’t want to be left out in the cold. Winter safety is important for everyone, and seniors in particular sometimes need some extra help in winterizing their home and preventing snow and ice hazards.

It can be easy to ignore snow and ice warnings. Sometimes it can seem like too much of a hassle to prepare for winter weather, but a lack of preparation can cause irreversible damage. Many neighborhoods require residents to clear their walkways of snow, which can be particularly tricky for seniors. Keep an eye out for neighbors offering shoveling services; some may simply shovel your walkway out of pure good will! Besides snow removal, fireplaces and heating systems can also pose a danger. Fireplaces and wood stoves MUST be properly ventilated and cleaned or else they can leak carbon monoxide into your home. Carbon monoxide has no smell or taste and it’s not visible, so carbon monoxide detectors are critical. Space heaters can also pose a threat, especially if they are placed close to other furniture or blankets. Always keep at least 3 feet between the space heater and other objects and when in doubt, ask a neighbor or loved one to inspect your heating appliances for potential safety hazards.

Another tip pertains to winter disasters and knowing what to do in case of inclement weather or a snow emergency. We may have just gotten out of hurricane season, but now is the time to gear up for blizzards and winter storms that could pose a serious threat. Power outages could happen and leave you without electricity and heating. Be sure to have an emergency kit that includes flashlights and batteries, non-perishable foods like peanut butter and canned goods, extra blankets and layers of clothing (including hats, scarves and gloves.) Black ice is another danger presented by harsh winter weather, so invest in some rock salt and non-slip shoes that have good traction to help you navigate the sidewalks. Take your time when walking and try to use walkways and staircases that have handrails. If you need to go out, think about carpooling with a friend or family member.

Physical concerns aside, it’s crucial to fight those winter blues as well. Many people experience low feelings during the colder months; the sun goes down earlier and everyone tends to stay inside most of the time. It’s easy is get into a funk, especially if your mobility is already compromised due to a health condition. First of all, try your best to eat a varied diet during the winter. This means getting lots of fruits and vegetables, as well as Vitamin D. The increased time spent indoors during the colder months means that you aren’t getting that natural Vitamin D from the sun, so try munching on Vitamin D-rich foods such as fortified cereals, milk, and salmon. To combat feelings of wintertime loneliness, pick up the phone and give a friend or family member a call. Resources like Skype and FaceTime can help you video chat with your loved ones and stay in touch even when you’re far apart.

Whether you love winter or hate, it’s a fact of life in Delco! Start preparing now and your winter will be easy breezy.