Thursday, August 21, 2014

Keep Special Seniors Warm this Winter

School is back in session, a sure sign that the temperatures will start dropping as late fall approaches and turns into winter. As the body ages, it becomes more vulnerable to the chill of the air. In a weakened condition the body can't fight the germs that cause sickness, starting with colds through pneumonia and flu. 

Anyone affected by Alzheimer's or dementia might not realize a drop in body temperature (hypothermia).
Mild cases of hypothermia can occur from a breeze, fan, or cooling system in the house. Keep a shawl or sweater where the senior will easily find it and put it on or around their shoulders to ward off the cold. If you are a senior citizen follow these four steps to protect yourself. Caregivers can follow these tips to protect their loved one or friend from the cold.



1. Look at the weather forecast for the week ahead to plan days out. Stay inside on windy and cold days. If you go out, wear warm clothing, gloves, and a hat.

2. Avoid cold places and stay aware of how other people are reacting to the environment. Age reduces your body's awareness of cold, so if others are dressed for chilly weather, put your winter gear back on.

3. Wear layers. Loose clothing traps warm air between each layer and reduces the risk of hypothermia.

4. Carry a thermal blanket in the car. It will keep you warm while waiting for help if the car has a flat tire or other problem while you are out on the road.


Contact your local Senior Center for other tips on staying healthy and safe during the cool months ahead.

28 comments:

  1. These are very valuable suggestions. It's easy to overlook some of the simpler things that can keep us, and others, healthier and more comfortable. Thank you for the advice.

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  2. Thanks for your comment, Jan. We can keep a lot more people healthy this upcoming winter by suggesting added warmth against the wind and chill.

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  3. Great suggestions. I think a lot of people tend to forget about the elderly, but hopefully this helps a little.

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  4. It's very common. My grandparents are finally in assisted living where they can relax.

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  5. I can't wait for colder weather. I miss having to bundle up to go outside.

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  6. My grandma, thankfully, lives in an assisted living apartment, so I don't have to stress so much. My other grandmother lives down the street and I have an aunt who moved in with her a few years ago. It definitely helps us feel a lot better.

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  7. In Michigan we always keep thermals and fleece blankets stashed in the cars. You just never know.

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  8. These are some wonderful tips. We all definitely need to look out for seniors - whether they be friends, family or neighbors.

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  9. These are great tips. I wish my grandparents were still around :(

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  10. These will be great tips this winter. My dad has definitely lost his sense of what he should be wearing for the weather now that he has gotten older.

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  11. These are great suggestions! Some of them work for when you have kids as well! We wear layers and keep an emergency blanket in the car at all times!

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  12. Great Tips, I worry about my grandparents so much during the winter

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  13. We had elderly neighbors that we check on when it is cold and snowy. I want to make sure they have food and that their driveway is cleared during a snow storm.

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  14. These are great tips. Seniors are very fragile when it comes to temperature, so it pays to be careful.

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  15. My great grandmother had dementia, and we had to make sure she was wrapped with something at all times. She had no sense of temperature.

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  16. Great tips. Keeping seniors warm is so important, but it can be very easy to forget to take precautions.

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  17. Such a great idea to donate these items around winter time to our senior center. Thanks for the reminder!

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  18. I love these tips. I will look to see where i can donate some items in my area.

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  19. Great tips! This is so important! I donate often!

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  20. This is a great idea. A thermal blanket is a good one to keep around.

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  21. We had a few cases of Seniors being severly harmed in Michigan this winter due to dementia. It was heart breaking.

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  22. I love this post. These are great tips for caregivers of seniors. Thanks for sharing.

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  23. All good tips. We keep a big blanket in the car year round too, just in case. It's especially come in handy in the winter.

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  24. Those all sound like great tips. We have a lot of reports of seniors having problems with the heat, but tend to forget about the cold.

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  25. These are great tips and definitely good things to keep in mind. Thanks for sharing.

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  26. These are good tips for anyone! We live in Atlanta and had the stupid Snow Jam because we aren't prepared to have snow on our roads. A lack of salt trucks and plows left drivers stranded in their cars over night.

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  27. It is great to hear that people still care about one another in this world. I always try to help when I can!

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  28. These are great tips. Its important we watch out for our senior citizens.

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