The holiday season, spending time with loved ones, and delectable winter treats like peppermint bark, hot chocolate, and homemade cookies are just a few things that make winter so unique. However, one should beware of the hazards that usually accompany winter and do as much as possible to avoid them. When living in an independent living community in Michigan City, IN, you may be given guidelines on what to do to keep yourself safe during winter.
Seasonal changes can also pose risks because of the arctic air, snowy and icy conditions, and rise in physical illnesses. For older adults, it’s essential to be prepared for whatever winter brings to stay safe. Read on to learn our seven winter safety tips for seniors.
Salting Driveways And Walkways
When the weather changes, it’s crucial to sprinkle salt on roads and sidewalks because black ice is hazardous. The salt will improve traction and lower the possibility of falling. Call the team members responsible in your living community to sort this out and to confirm that salt is being spread on the walkways and parking lots. It might be helpful to install handrails on exterior stairways if they do not already have them, in addition to sprinkling salt. Install motion sensor lights outside to help with visibility so that you and your loved one have a greater chance of spotting black ice. It would be easier to see because of how the lights bounce off the ice.
Keep In Touch With Loved Ones
It’s crucial to stay in touch with our loved ones during this time of year. The American Psychiatric Association asserts that when we get less sun exposure, our susceptibility to depression increases. This can harm our health and prevent us from appreciating the small pleasures that give life purpose.
Seniors spend most of their time indoors during the winter because of the weather. Isolation and an increased risk of depression may result from this. Keeping in touch with your loved ones may help them feel connected, which can help avoid this. Try a Zoom call or another type of video chat if you cannot make a personal visit. A loved one’s face may brighten someone’s day and remind them that they are not alone.
Beware Of Fire Hazards
Wintertime usage of space heaters contributes to a rise in house fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, two out of every five residential fires involving heating equipment are caused by space heaters. There are several recommendations from the USCPSC that you and a loved one may utilize to reduce dangers while using a space heater, including keeping it away from flammable objects, switching it off when sleeping or not in your apartment, and avoiding connecting it to an extension cord.
Eat Well, And Don’t Skip Meals
Not skipping meals is another wise decision. You and your loved one will more likely remain warm if you eat often. The National Institute on Aging claims that having more body fat beneath the skin helps stay warm and lowers your chance of hypothermia.
