Let it Snow! How To Be Safe in Winter

Snowmageddon seems like a melodramatic term to characterize a storm, but we hear a great deal of this sort of thing on the news. As we gear up for yet another winter, it is important to think about safety. Planning ahead can help manage and even help to avoid a crisis situation. Aging, ice and snow are never a great mix, but there are several tips and considerations to help you prepare for the upcoming winter months.

Fall Prevention:  According to Dr. Stanley Wang, a physician at Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto California, “Falls are, unfortunately, a common occurrence for senior citizens, especially during the winter months. Often these falls cause major injuries such as hip and wrist fractures, head trauma and major lacerations.” Recovery from such incidents for younger people is quicker than for older adults. Make sure to wear shoes with excellent traction and stay inside until the roads are clear. Remove the wet shoes once indoors to avoid slippery soles once inside.  To find out more about fall prevention read Preventing Senior Falls .

Transportation Safety: If you are still driving make sure your car is ready for the winter by checking the windshield wipers and the tires. The defroster and the heater should be in prime condition and have brakes checked too. Remember to always have a blanket and a flash light in your car and carry your cell phone. An article from About Travel titled Winter Travel Tips for Senior Drivers encourages checking the road conditions on line and always carrying a map.

Home Safety: Power outages may have been enjoyable as a child but this may not be the case for you now. For seniors these outages may mean increased fall risk and threat of hypothermia. Be sure to have plenty of blankets, food, water, flashlight and a back up cell phone battery. And remember to check in with your loved ones regularly.

Photo courtesy of Care.com