The holiday season is upon us, and that means the cold winter months are as well. Staying safe during the icy season is essential for everyone, but as we grow older, it’s important to take extra precautions.
Below are some of our tips for staying safe and healthy during the winter months:
Avoid the Ice
Ice is the number one cause of falls for people over 60 in the winter. In fact, falls are also the leading cause of long-term injury for anyone over 65, meaning safety precautions during ice and snowstorms are especially important. Wearing shoes with good traction and using railings are a great way to avoid slipping. Hiring someone to clear and salt icy sidewalks is another way to avoid ice-related falls.
Get Sunlight
The cold winter months are also accompanied by shorter days. This reduction in sunlight and lack of outdoor activities are often responsible for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in people of all ages. Ensuring you get adequate sunlight and schedule daily activities are important ways to prevent seasonal depression. Studies also show taking vitamins, like D and B12, supports health and mood.
Dress Warm
Extended periods of coldness can occasionally lead to hypothermia, and more than half of hypothermia-related deaths were of people over the age of 65. Dressing warm, and in layers, is essential for preventing the cold from causing harm as we age.
Prepare for Power Outages
Icy winter storms are notorious for causing extended power outages, so having a supply of emergency food, water, batteries and heating methods are essential. While heating your home during a power outage, it’s also important to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by installing a carbon monoxide detector.
If you’re interested in talking to us about how you can stay safe in your home as you age, we’d love to chat. Call us at 614-734-2167!