How Seniors Can Prepare For Cold Weather

While the summer sun was warm and the fall leaves were beautiful, one thing is certain: winter is coming. No matter if you love the coziness that the chilly temperatures bring or if you struggle each winter season due to less sunlight and more isolation, you can improve your health by knowing how to prepare for cold weather.

Here are some tips to weather the winter with a healthy body and mind.

How to Prepare for Cold Weather at Home

Prepare your home for the cold weather before the winter winds arrive. Here are a few tasks to schedule into your autumn calendar (remember, you can ask for help from your family members, too!):

• Schedule a cleaning and checkup for your home’s heating. You’ll feel confident that your house will be warm and toasty no matter how cold the weather is outside.
• Change your home’s air filter.
• Purchase salt or de-icer and put it where you can use it without slipping. For example, can you place a container near your front door so you can salt your front sidewalk and steps without danger?
• Schedule your snow removal services with a company or a teenager down the street.
• Change the batteries in your home’s smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector. While you are there, perform a quick test on each.
• Pull out a few extra blankets for your bed and your favorite spot on the couch.
• Make sure your car is safe for the winter if you still drive. If you don’t drive, be sure you have contact information for your community’s senior transportation service.
• Schedule Meals on Wheels deliveries, especially if you are more at home during the winter.

How to Prepare for a Cold Winter: Your Body and Mind

Now that your home is ready for the winter winds and snow be sure you are also taking time to prepare your body and mind for the upcoming season. Winter is especially trying for older adults regarding isolation and falls. Here is how to prepare for a cold winter when it comes to your cognitive and physical health:

• Re-evaluate your wardrobe and make changes as necessary. Having weather-appropriate clothing in the closet will decrease your risk of dressing in too chilly clothes. This is especially helpful if you care for someone with dementia, as they can no longer judge what is safe to wear.
• Speaking of dementia, understand that adults living with dementia feel cold all the time, even when in a warm house. Remember this and resist the urge to offer more cardigans or turn the heat to unsafe temperatures.
• Keep the home at a safe and appropriate temperature.
• Schedule regular meet-ups with friends. If the weather is unsafe, consider switching the meet-ups to virtual calls until you can see each other in person again.
• Avoid slips by ensuring that sidewalks and stairs are salted and cleared before walking on them. Always wear sturdy shoes or boots when heading outside.
• Understand the signs of hypothermia, including blue lips or fingers, sudden confusion, pale skin, or uncontrollable shivering. If someone has hypothermia, move them to a warm location and monitor their symptoms. Dial 9-1-1 in case of a medical emergency.
• Eat nourishing and comforting foods. Boost your favorite soup recipe by adding more vegetables or making your stock.
• Tell someone if you are feeling depressed or lonely.

The cold weather is coming, whether you love it or hate it. Be sure you are prepared and ready to remain as healthy as possible until spring.