Winter Weather Can Be Dangerous for the Elderly and Those with Chronic Health Issues. Help Them be Prepared.

As winter arrives in the United States, we've already seen some chilly weather and more cold fronts may be on the way. While most of us are aware of the discomfort that winter brings, especially in severe conditions, it's essential to recognize that as we age, the impact of winter weather on our bodies and health becomes more pronounced. Older adults tend to lose body heat more rapidly, making them more vulnerable to the cold.

Many seniors may choose to stay indoors during winter to avoid the harsh weather, which can be a safer option. However, excessive isolation from friends and family isn't ideal for their mental well-being. Understanding the potential health implications of winter weather on older adults is crucial.

Understand the Health Implications 

First, let's consider the impact of cold weather on physical health. Hypothermia, where the body temperature drops below 95°F, is a significant concern for older adults, especially those with multiple health conditions. People with dementia may not recognize the drop in temperature and may fail to take necessary actions like adjusting the thermostat or wearing warm clothing. Even being indoors in a cold house can pose risks.

According to the CDC, older individuals are more sensitive to extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold. Cold weather can lead to constricted blood vessels, temporarily raising blood pressure. This increased pressure can strain the heart and potentially increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, especially for those with a history of low body temperature or prior hypothermia experiences.

In addition to raising blood pressure, cold temperatures can also increase the likelihood of contracting the flu, chest infections, and other respiratory issues, further affecting the health of older adults. 

Furthermore, prolonged inactivity during winter is detrimental to anyone's health, but it's especially concerning for older individuals. Experts recommend that seniors avoid extended periods of inactivity, even during cold weather, to maintain their physical well-being. 

Know the Forecast

Always keep an eye on the weather, especially for older family members, so they are aware of changes that can impact their daily life. The National Weather Service lists the winter weather forecast for your area - find it here.

Avoiding Isolation

There is no question that older adults should avoid spending a lot of time outside in poor weather. However, too much isolation is not good either for your physical or mental health.

Greg Olsen, the director of the New York State Office for the Aging, expresses his concern for older adults during winter months, including the isolation that can occur as seniors stay indoors. 

Many older adults also have less social contact during winter months, which can lead to loneliness and isolation. Neighbors and family members should regularly check on older individuals to make sure they are healthy and safe.

Ronan Factora, MD | Cleveland Clinic, says it's essential to ensure the older adults in your life are still socializing. 

One of the things we learned during the pandemic is that social isolation is a really big problem and it's probably one of the most recognized contributors to mental health issues now in the United States. For older individuals, it's a bigger deal. 

Dr. Factora said loneliness can be a precursor for depression. He says socializing with others can help improve a person's mood. Factora also says it can benefit someone's cognition and physical health.

El Niño Impacting Winter Weather

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the winter of 2023-24 is being influenced by a strong El Niño. This means that much of the northern part of the U.S. can anticipate a mild and dry winter. At the same time, the southeastern U.S. should prepare for a wetter-than-average winter. The Old Farmer's Almanac predicts a snowy and cold winter, particularly in North America. Snowfall is expected to be above normal in most snow-prone regions, except for the Pacific Northwest, where conditions may differ.

AccuWeather meteorologists provide an in-depth analysis of the 2023-2024 winter forecast, highlighting colder and snowier weather patterns across the United States. While many northern areas are expected to experience above-average temperatures, pockets of below-average temperatures may occur in the Southwest and Southern states.

El Niño, characterized by warmer-than-normal waters in parts of the tropical Pacific Ocean, will significantly impact the winter weather throughout the country. This pattern typically leads to an active storm track and wetter conditions in the southern U.S., although specific weather patterns can vary.

The Climate Prediction Center of NOAA has issued an outlook for December-February 2023-24, indicating a higher likelihood of a warmer-than-average winter across much of the northern U.S., including Alaska and most of Hawaii. Precipitation forecasts suggest well above-average precipitation (rain and/or snow) in many parts of the country's southern, central, and eastern regions. Overall, this winter is expected to bring mild and dry conditions to the northern U.S., increased precipitation to the southeastern U.S., and varied temperature patterns influenced by El Niño. 

Shoveling Snow Can Be Dangerous

Shoveling snow can be particularly dangerous, especially when dealing with heavy and wet snow. The added weight of wet snow makes it physically demanding, increasing the risk of overexertion and strain on the heart, which can be especially problematic for older individuals. As people age, their cardiovascular health may not be as robust, making them more susceptible to heart-related issues during strenuous activities like shoveling.

Furthermore, the cold weather during snow removal can constrict blood vessels and raise blood pressure, which can be risky for older adults with high blood pressure. Slippery surfaces while shoveling can also lead to falls and injuries, and as people age, their bones may become more fragile, making them more prone to fractures and sprains.

For older adults, these problems increase with age. Christopher Bazzoli, MD, emergency medicine physician for Cleveland Clinic, says research shows shoveling snow can put some people at risk for a heart attack.

Your body is burning a lot of extra energy just staying warm, and then we put on more layers, and that makes physical activity more difficult.

Heart attacks aren't the only concern when it comes to shoveling snow. Dr. Bazzoli says falls are a significant issue as well. 

We see not only back injuries from the strain, especially with heavy snow, but we see a lot of people slipping and falling, and so good footwear and devices that can actually strap onto your shoes, like cable systems or even tiny little spikes that strap onto your shoes, have become very popular.

Some People are More Vulnerable to the Cold

Individuals with chronic illnesses, those in need of long-term health care services, and those managing multiple medications often face heightened vulnerability during cold weather. Unlike younger individuals, older adults typically require assistance preparing for the winter season and mitigating its adverse effects on their health.

Furthermore, individuals with limited mobility encounter increased challenges when navigating icy and snowy conditions, significantly impacting their ability to move safely, even for routine tasks like fetching the mail.

The National Institute on Aging provides valuable suggestions and guidelines to address these concerns and promote cold weather safety. These recommendations aim to safeguard the well-being of vulnerable populations during winter, ensuring they can navigate the season with minimal risks to their health and mobility.

Cold Weather Safety for Older Adults | National Institute on Aging 

Key recommendations from the National Institute on Aging include:

1. Stay Warm: Encourage older individuals and those with chronic illnesses to keep their homes adequately heated during cold spells. Suggest the use of space heaters if necessary, but emphasize safety precautions to prevent accidents.
2. Dress Appropriately: Emphasize the importance of layering clothing to maintain body warmth. Encourage individuals to wear insulated, non-slip footwear and thermal socks to prevent slipping on icy surfaces.
3. Monitor Medications: Advise those taking multiple medications to consult with healthcare providers regarding any potential side effects or interactions that could be exacerbated by cold weather. Ensure an adequate supply of necessary medications to avoid interruptions in treatment.
4. Stay Active: Promote regular physical activity to maintain mobility and circulation. Encourage seniors to engage in indoor exercises or walking in safe, well-maintained areas to prevent the negative effects of prolonged inactivity.
5. Check on Neighbors: Encourage community members to look out for one another, especially older individuals living alone. Offering assistance with tasks like shoveling snow or grocery shopping can be a tremendous help.
6. Emergency Preparedness: Ensure that older adults have access to a reliable communication method, such as a cell phone or medical alert system, to seek assistance in case of emergencies or medical issues during cold weather.
7. Cold Weather Resources: Share information about local resources, such as warming centers, transportation services, or community organizations that assist seniors during winter weather events.

Everyone needs to prepare for the winter months. Cold, snow, and freezing rain make all of us uncomfortable. However, the winter weather leads to significant health concerns and a higher risk of falls and other accidents for our older family members. The winter months can worsen existing aging issues and lead a person to need help with daily living activities and other long-term care services and supports. 

Even shoveling snow can be dangerous. Help older people or those with chronic health problems with snow and ice removal - assuming you have no health issues that could make it hazardous for you.

Sometimes ice is hard to see, no matter your age. Make sure ice melt is put down on sidewalks and outside steps to limit the risk of falls.

Before a Winter Storm Hits

Are you prepared for an upcoming winter storm? How about older family members, friends, and neighbors? Here are suggestions before the bad weather hits:

• Stay informed and sign up for severe weather alerts through your local city or state resource

• Refill prescriptions and have an extra supply of other medical necessities

• Buy extra food, including non-perishables, and bottled water (and don't forget pet food or supplies if needed)

• Keep vehicles filled with gas and have tires checked for safety

• Clear debris from downspouts and gutters

• Have trees inspected and remove any dead limbs

• Have evacuation routes planned with identified medical centers

• Identify an individual or company to shovel snow from driveways, stairs

• Make sure outside furnace vents are clear and carbon monoxide alarms are working

• Inspect outside plumbing, insulating any exposed pipes

Prepare for Power Outages

• If using oxygen, bi-pap, C-Pap, or other equipment, you will need a generator

• Purchase battery-operated, plug-in lights that automatically turn on when the power goes out

• Make sure you have working flashlights within reach and extra batteries

• Keep cell phones charging so you have a full charge at power loss

• Be sure to have a radio with batteries, to get news and weather updates if the power goes out

Plan for Caregivers

• If you rely on caregivers, consider the following:

• Arrange for a live-in caregiver

• Build a relationship with neighbors that may be able to temporarily fill-in

• Plan temporary or respite stay with a nursing home, assisted living community, or hospice

Safety First Around the House

• Keep areas around space heaters clear

• Use space heaters with automatic shut-off

• Gas stoves or ovens should never be used as a heating source

• Do not attempt to climb ladders

• Do not walk on frozen stairs, sidewalks, or driveways

Living in a cold house, apartment, or other building can cause hypothermia. In fact, hypothermia can happen to someone, even in a nursing home or group facility, if the rooms are not kept warm enough. If someone you know is in a long-term care facility, pay attention to the inside temperature and whether they are dressed warmly enough.

Staying Warm is Important

People who are sick may have special problems keeping warm. Do not let it get too cold inside, and dress warmly. Even if you keep your temperature between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, your home or apartment may need to be warmer to keep you safe, depending on your age and health. 

If you have an older family member, make sure they try to stay inside and stay warm. If they have to go out, wear warm clothes, and don't stay out in the cold and wind for a long time.

Illness, Medicines, and Cold Weather

Some illnesses may make it harder for your body to stay warm. Diabetes, thyroid problems, Parkinson's disease, memory loss, and arthritis are health issues that make it harder for people to keep warm. Talk with your doctor about your health problems and how to prevent hypothermia.

The lack of activity and some medications can also affect body heat. 

These include medicines you get from your doctor and those you buy over the counter. Ask your doctor if the medication you take may affect your body heat. Always talk with your doctor before you stop taking any medication.

Hypothermia

Watch for the signs of hypothermia. People can get confused if their body temperature gets very low. Know the warning signs:

Early signs of hypothermia:

• Cold feet and hands

• Puffy or swollen face

• Pale skin

• Shivering (in some cases, the person with hypothermia does not shiver)

• Slower than normal speech or slurring words

• Acting sleepy

• Being angry or confused

Later signs of hypothermia:

• Moving slowly, trouble walking, or being clumsy

• Stiff and jerky arm or leg movements

• Slow heartbeat

• Slow, shallow breathing

• Blacking out or losing consciousness

Something you may be doing during the winter might be aging you faster! If you don't want the winter weather to age you, here's what you need to keep an eye on -  click here.