Stay Safe and Warm This Winter: Tips for Older Adults

Winter can be a beautiful season, but it also brings unique challenges—especially for older adults. With colder temperatures, slippery conditions, and shorter days, it’s important to take extra precautions to stay safe and comfortable. Whether you’re caring for yourself or supporting a loved one, these tips can help ensure a safe and enjoyable winter.

“Winter weather is much more than a mere inconvenience; it can be extremely hazardous,” says Lakelyn Hogan Eichenberger, Ph.D., gerontologist and caregiver advocate at Home Instead. “While colder temperatures shouldn’t put your schedule on hold, venturing outside the home can be difficult, especially for those with health conditions, limited mobility, or vision impairment.”

7 Tips To Keep You Safe This Winter

1. Prevent Slips and Falls 
   

   Snow and ice can turn a simple walk to the mailbox into a hazard. Reduce the risk of falls with these steps:

   • Keep Walkways Clear: Shovel pathways promptly or consider hiring help. Use ice melt or sand for added traction.
   • Wear Winter-Ready Shoes: Choose footwear with non-slip soles and good insulation to keep feet warm and steady.
   • Ask for Assistance When Needed: If you need to go to the grocery store, run errands, or attend an appointment, consider asking a friend, family member, or hiring a caregiver to assist. They can help you navigate icy terrain, ensure safety while getting in and out of the vehicle, and even drive if conditions are challenging.
   • Keep the Indoors Safe Too: Remove clutter, secure rugs, and make sure lighting is bright enough to see potential hazards. Wet shoes can leave slippery spots—consider a mat or tray by the door.
     
2. Stay Warm Without Overheating Your Budget
   

   Keeping your home warm doesn’t have to come with sky-high energy bills. Aim to keep the thermostat set to at least 68–70°F, as temperatures below 65°F can increase the risk of hypothermia, especially for aging adults.

   • Insulate to Save: Seal windows and doors with weatherstripping or draft stoppers. Use heavy curtains to trap heat, but open them during the day to let in sunlight.
   • Layer Wisely: Dress in layers that are easy to add or remove. Choose thermal or moisture-wicking fabrics to stay warm without feeling bulky.

   If heating costs are a concern, check with your local utility company or community programs for energy assistance or discounts.
   

3. Check In with Your Health
   Winter weather can put extra strain on the body, so it's important to be proactive about your health:
   • Cold Weather and Chronic Conditions: Cold temperatures can make symptoms of conditions like arthritis or heart disease worse. Talk to your doctor about managing symptoms during winter months.
   • Stay Vaccinated: Seasonal flu, RSV, and pneumonia are more common in winter. Ensure you’re up to date on all recommended vaccinations.
   • Be Active Indoors: Keep your body moving with simple exercises like stretching, chair yoga, or walking indoors. Staying active improves circulation and boosts immunity.
     
4. Stay Connected
   

   Isolation can be more common in winter, with shorter days and challenging weather keeping many people indoors. But staying connected is key to well-being:

   • Schedule Check-Ins: Regular phone or video calls with family and friends can lift spirits and provide a safety net.
   • Use Technology to Stay Social: From virtual book clubs to video calls, technology offers ways to stay in touch even when it’s too cold to go out.
   • Join Local Programs: Many community centers or libraries offer activities tailored for older adults—indoors and safe from the cold.
5. Prepare for Winter Emergencies
   

   Being ready for the unexpected can make all the difference in a winter storm or power outage:

   • Stock Up: Keep at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food, water, and medications on hand.
   • Have a Backup Plan: Prepare flashlights with fresh batteries and consider a portable phone charger in case of power loss.
   • Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:Ensure detectors are working and have fresh batteries to guard against fire or gas-related risks when heating your home.
6. Eat Well and Stay Hydrated
   

   It’s easy to forget about hydration in colder months, but it’s just as important in winter as in summer:

   • Focus on Warm, Nutritious Foods: Soups, stews, and herbal teas are great options to warm up and stay nourished.
   • Keep Drinking Water: Even if you’re not sweating, your body still needs hydration to function at its best.
7. Know When to Ask for Help
   

   There’s no need to face winter challenges alone. Whether you’re worried about clearing snow, running errands, or staying active indoors, support is available. Home Instead Care Pros can help aging adults live safely and comfortably at home throughout the winter and beyond.

   
   

   A Better Winter Is Possible
   Winter doesn’t have to be a season of worry. With some planning, a little help, and the right precautions, it can be a time to enjoy the coziness of home and the beauty of the season.

   If you or a loved one could use support this winter, reach out to Home Instead. From companionship to help around the house, we’re here to help make this season safer and brighter.

   Would you like to learn more about how we can help? Contact us today to schedule a Care Consult and discover how we can create a care plan tailored to you.