Protecting Elderly Folks from Adverse
Winter Weather Conditions

It is crucial for older adults to exercise extra caution during the winter months to protect themselves from adverse weather conditions, says the February 2011 issue of the UCLA Division of Geriatrics’ Healthy / Years.

Winter can be a dangerous time for older adults and the health letter offers the following winter hazards that the elderly must protect themselves from:

Hypothermia — This winter hazard may result from:

1) Our internal thermostat doesn’t work as effectively, as we age, so we may be unaware that we are becoming so cold that we are at risk from hypothermia.

2) We generate less compensatory body heat because we move less.

3) Older adults actually can shiver less and, in any case, shivering decreases as your body temperature drops, so don’t rely on it as a guide, according to Michelle Eslami, M.D., professor of geriatric medicine at UCLA Health System.

According to figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hypothermia, which causes the core body temperature to fall to unhealthy levels, kills about 300 Americans age 65 and older each year.

• Frostbite — This is also a big risk, especially if you have heart disease, diabetes or other circulatory problems, and/or take beta blockers, which decrease the flow of blood to the skin.

• Back injuries — Shoveling snow puts individuals at risk for back injuries. Also, the ice that often accompanies wintry conditions increases the chances of a fall, which can result in serious complications.

• High blood pressure — Research suggests that the cold may raise an individual’s blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney problems. Shoveling snow can further overload the heart, warns the letter.

• Increased stress and strain on the body — According to Dr. Eslami, older adults have less “physiologic reserve,” which operates as a sort of “buffer zone” that helps us cope with, and recover from, stress and strain on the body, such as that presented by cold. That reserve naturally decreases with age, making us less able to handle the stress cold temperatures placed on the body. This may be exacerbated by chronic diseases, such as diabetes and by medications (including over-the-counter cold medications) that make an older adult even more susceptible to temperature extremes.

• Indoor hazards — Tracking snow or mud across the floor can result in puddles and wet patches that can cause you to slip.

• Carbon monoxide poisoning — This risk may arise from a malfunctioning water heater or furnace, or if you use an unvented gas space heater. Those with heart or lung disease are particularly vulnerable.

Thus, it is crucial for older adults to protect themselves from adverse weather conditions by following these precautionary measures:

a) Try to avoid going out in extreme cold, particularly if it is windy, as this increases the rate of heat loss from the skin. If you do need to be outdoors, keep your exposure to the elements brief.

b) When going outside, wear several layers of light clothing, as these will help you retain heat better than just a couple of heavy layers, and always wear a hat, scarves and gloves.

c) Remove your boots and shoes before you come indoors, or lay down a doormat so you can dry your shoes before you enter the house, in order to avoid tracking snow or mud across the floor and form puddles where you can slip.

d) Limit alcohol consumption during cold weather, as it cools the body, making it more susceptible to hypothermia.

e) Wear non-skid shoes to avoid slipping on icy surfaces, and if you use a cane, make sure the rubber tip is intact.

f) Set your thermostat to at least 68 to 70 degrees...even mildly cool homes, with temperatures from 60 to 65 degrees, can trigger hypothermia in older adults. If your building is not adequately heated, contact your state Department of Aging for advice and advocacy.

g) Be alert for signs of hypothermia (cold, pale skin, fatigue and confusion, irritability, problems walking and rapid breathing) and frostbite (areas of the skin that are white, ashy or grayish-yellow, feel hard or waxy or are numb). Make sure all family members also are aware of these symptoms.

h) Winterize your car...include a first-aid kit, blankets, extra warm clothes, a windshield scraper, rock salt, a bag of sand or cat litter, a shovel, jumper cables, a flashlight and some water and food.

i) Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home and garage, and ensure your heating system is regularly serviced. Before extreme cold sets in, have your chimneys cleaned and checked out. Opening a window a crack for circulation is also helpful.

j) If you use space heaters, position them at least three feet from anything flammable, such as curtainsand furniture. Make sure all smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are in working order.

k) If at all possible, arrange for a younger relative or local teenager to shovel snow from your driveway. If you must do it, first check with your doctor. Warm up first by marching on the spot and swinging your arms for five minutes...this will help you avoid back strain. Use a lightweight shovel with a curved handle, as these are better for the lower back. Bend at the knee, keeping your back straight. Take it slowly (the shovel should be no more than half full), resting between each load. “If you feel pain or discomfort, or get a feeling of tightness in your chest, stop and call your doctor,” Dr. Eslami emphasizes, in conclusion.