Did you know that seniors run a higher chance of getting health problems in the long drawn out weather conditions of the winter months? These issues might include hypothermia, frostbite, health issues while shoveling snow, falls on ice, auto accidents, and fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Be prepared to avoid these problems by taking precautions ahead of time.
Hypothermia
According to Comfort Keepers, “For an older person, a body temperature of 95 degrees F. or lower can cause many health problems, such as a heart attack, kidney problems, liver damage, or worse.” Seniors are at an increased risk of hypothermia when they are out in the cold for a prolonged period of time. With changes that happen to the older body, they begin to lose heat quickly. January, 2019’s polar vortex temperatures tested seniors ability to prevent hypothermia. Wind chills of -30 degrees F., with just a 10-minute skin exposure, could have caused this potentially deadly occurrence.
Warning signs include ashen (pale) skin, being tired, confused and sleepy, feeling weak with problems walking, and having a slower heart rate and breathing. Shivering is not a strong warning sign for seniors. The elderly tend to shiver less or not at all when compared to the normal aged populace. If exhibiting these symptoms, get medical help immediately!
Preventative measures include 1. Staying indoors on extreme cold days; 2. Keeping indoor temps. at 65 degrees F. or warmer; 3. Trying to remain dry; wet clothes chill your body more quickly; 4. Protecting your lungs from cold air. Cover your mouth and layer up! HealthinAging.org informs us “Wearing 2 or 3 thinner layers of loose-fitting clothing is warmer than a single layer of thick clothing. Think about getting your thermals!”
Frostbite
Years ago, while waiting one hour on a wintry morning for a bus to take me to high school, I experienced this skin damaging health issue on my fingers. Extreme cold/wind chill temps and exposed skin from inadequate clothing coverage are to blame for frostbite. Remember to especially cover your body’s extremities, where blood flow can be limited to your aged skin tissue. Your nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes are common locations for frostbite. Wear boots. Mittens, not gloves, are highly recommended for finger coverage! Drinking alcohol and caffeinated beverages can be restrictive for good blood circulation. Instead a diet of warm drinks and warm food items is recommended.
Warning signs of this problem include white or ashy or grayish-yellow skin; skin that feels numb and painful with a waxy or hard surface. Again get help immediately. If frostbite does occur, when inside, run the affected skin under warm – NOT hot water!
Injury while shoveling snow / falls on ice
Most of us here in Sun City have help with a professional snow removal company to remove deeper snow from our driveways and walk/step areas. On occasion, however, we do experience the need to do the shoveling ourselves. With cold weather making our hearts work double time to keep our bodies warm, a caution is issued here by HealthinAging.org. “Strenuous activities, like shoveling snow, may put too much strain on your heart, especially if you have heart disease. Shoveling can also be dangerous if you have problems with balance and/or have “thin bones” (osteoporosis)” leading to fractures. Ask your health expert for guidance on these two issues. The International Health and Science Journal’s article on “Injury Prevention” found that the risk of fractures of the hip increase by 27% during winter months to those between 65 and 79. Consider taking Sun City classes focused on balance and coordination strengthening.
During the past four years, with the presence of my osteoporosis malady, I broke adjoining thoracic vertebrae in my mid-back. This was due to two falls on my home’s driveway and front steps (covered with stone pavers). A rush to get the morning newspaper, while wearing only slippers, was responsible for the first fracture. The second break occurred again due to my ignorance of black ice and its invisible presence. When possible, choose a path on the grass or not deep snow, in place of steps, walkways, and driveways covered with “this impossible to see form of ice.”
Before venturing outside, precautions here include making sure that all areas to be visited are well-lit and cleared as much as possible. Be sure to use a salt product (where recommended) to help melt the dangerous frozen water. Wear boots with non-skid soles. If using a cane, consider an ice-pick attachment to add to the cane’s end for additional traction. Walk “gingerly” and slowly at all times! If you can, retrieve your mail by using your car.
Part 2: Staying Safe in the Winter Months For the February 27 Publication
