8 Winter Tips for Seniors
Winter is a special time for caution if you or someone in your family is an older adult. It is the season for flus, for slips on icy streets, and for other dangers that are especially great for senior citizens. Before the cold weather arrives, it is important to prepare.
1. Get vaccinated annually against the flu. The season for flu runs from mid-October to mid-March.
2. Check the lighting in your house. Make sure there are no great contrasts from one room to another. Use night lights and don’t have loose extension cords lying on the floor.
3. Check your rugs. Make sure they are not wrinkled or torn in a way that can trip you up as you walk. Use padding or special tape underneath them to prevent from sliding.
4. In the bathroom, have mats inside and outside the tub to keep you from slipping on a wet surface. If needed, install grab bars inside the tub.
5. Continue your exercise regimen, indoors if possible. Avoid strenuous exercise like shoveling snow.
6. Maintain your diet and a good level of hydration.
7. Make sure your smoke alarms are working.
8. Have a programmable phone with emergency numbers entered. If you live alone, wear a device around the neck or on a bracelet, which can summon help if needed. |
