Newswise — While many people wish for a "White Christmas," the reality is that snow and ice can be a painful one-two punch, especially for seniors who have osteoporosis or difficulty walking due to a previous stroke or other illness. A single fall can cause debilitating and costly injuries, but a few simple tips can help older adults stay safe and healthy through the winter months.
1. Tread carefullyTo help avoid falls, wear appropriate shoes outdoors and put road salt, sand or kitty litter on sidewalks and driveways. Better yet, if the walks haven't been cleared, ask friends or relatives for help with errands such as grocery shopping.
2. Avoid overworkFind someone to handle snow shoveling and other strenuous outdoor tasks. Cold weather causes blood vessels to constrict, which increases the risk of heart attack for people with heart disease or other conditions that strain the heart's ability to pump blood.
3. Exercise indoorsStaying indoors does not mean being inactive. Keep in shape by walking in place, using a stationary bike or working out with a fitness video, available at the local library. Daily stretching exercises can help maintain flexibility. Check with your physician before beginning any exercise program.
4. Bundle upCold temperatures are a serious threat to seniors, especially those with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. A person who wanders from home without proper clothing in the winter can quickly fall victim to frostbite or hypothermia. Families should consider installing alarm systems that signal whenever an outside door is opened.
5. Keep the heat onInadequate indoor heat also can cause hypothermia. Keep home temperatures above 65 degrees and dress in layers to maintain body temperature. If you have difficulty paying the heating bill, contact your gas or electric utility about ways to continue service through the winter.
6. Clear the airIf you heat your home with a fireplace, gas furnace or gas-powered space heater, invest in carbon monoxide detectors, which can be purchased at a home improvement store for as little as $30. Carbon monoxide in the air can displace the oxygen in your blood stream and cause headache, dizziness, nausea, convulsions and even death within two hours. The effects can be even faster for people with heart or respiratory illnesses.
7. SocializeDepression is more common in the winter months, and bad weather can mean social isolation for many seniors. Make efforts to spend time with family, friends and neighbors, and when weather makes visiting difficult, pick up the phone for a chat.
About the Center for Aging & CommunityFounded in 2001 at the University of Indianapolis, the Center for Aging & Community is one of Indiana's leading gerontology centers, helping businesses and community organizations to engage older adults effectively in the key focus areas of Aging in Place and Meaningful Work for Older Adults. Using an interdisciplinary approach that draws from University of Indianapolis faculty and resources in health care, education, business and other fields, the center develops partnerships to promote older adults as community assets and to improve their quality of life. The center also offers a Master of Science in Gerontology degree and a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology. Find more information at http://cac.uindy.edu.
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