Winter can be beautiful, but cold temperatures, ice and storms bring real risks for older adults. Our bodies lose heat faster as we age, and some health conditions and medicines make it harder to notice when we are getting too cold. A little preparation goes a long way.
Stay warm indoors
- Keep your thermostat at 68°F or warmer. Hypothermia can develop indoors when homes are kept too cold.
- Dress in layers, with warm socks and slippers with non-slip soles.
- Use blankets and wear a hat or warm clothing to bed on cold nights.
- Close off unused rooms and keep curtains closed at night to hold in heat.
- Have your furnace checked before winter.
If heating costs are a problem, contact your LIHEAP office and your utility company. See help with heating and cooling bills.
Know the signs of hypothermia
Hypothermia happens when your body temperature drops too low. Warning signs include:
- Cold, pale or bluish skin.
- Shivering, although very cold people may stop shivering.
- Slow speech or slurred words.
- Confusion, sleepiness or unusual behavior.
- Slow breathing or a weak pulse.
Call 911 if you suspect hypothermia. While waiting, move the person to a warm place, wrap them in blankets and give warm, non-alcoholic drinks if they are alert.
Prevent falls on ice
- Wear boots with non-slip soles, or slip-on ice grips for walking outside. Remove ice grips before walking on indoor floors.
- Keep walkways and steps clear, salted or sanded. Ask a family member or neighbor, or hire help, to shovel.
- Use handrails, take short steps and walk slowly.
- Stay inside during icy conditions if you can, and have groceries and prescriptions delivered.
Heating safely
- Never use a gas stove, oven or grill to heat your home.
- Space heaters need at least 3 feet of clear space around them. Turn them off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
- Run generators only outdoors, at least 20 feet from doors and windows. Never in a garage, basement or porch.
- Install carbon monoxide alarms and test them monthly.
Prepare for winter storms and power outages
- Keep flashlights and extra batteries; avoid candles.
- Stock at least several days of food that does not need cooking, water and medicines.
- Charge phones and a backup battery when a storm is forecast.
- If you use medical equipment that needs electricity, talk with your doctor and utility company about a backup plan.
- Know where you could go if your home loses heat, such as a relative's home or a warming center. Call 211 to find one.
See building an emergency kit for a full checklist.
Driving in winter
Keep your gas tank at least half full, and carry a blanket, water, snacks, a flashlight, an ice scraper and a phone charger in your car. Avoid driving in snow or ice if you can. See driving safety for older drivers.
Stay connected
Check on older neighbors during cold snaps, and ask someone to check on you. Winter can be isolating, so plan regular calls and visits. See loneliness in later life.
