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.
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.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment, Jan. We can keep a lot more people healthy this upcoming winter by suggesting added warmth against the wind and chill.
ReplyDeleteGreat suggestions. I think a lot of people tend to forget about the elderly, but hopefully this helps a little.
ReplyDeleteIt's very common. My grandparents are finally in assisted living where they can relax.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for colder weather. I miss having to bundle up to go outside.
ReplyDeleteMy 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.
ReplyDeleteIn Michigan we always keep thermals and fleece blankets stashed in the cars. You just never know.
ReplyDeleteThese are some wonderful tips. We all definitely need to look out for seniors - whether they be friends, family or neighbors.
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips. I wish my grandparents were still around :(
ReplyDeleteThese 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.
ReplyDeleteThese 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!
ReplyDeleteGreat Tips, I worry about my grandparents so much during the winter
ReplyDeleteWe 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.
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips. Seniors are very fragile when it comes to temperature, so it pays to be careful.
ReplyDeleteMy great grandmother had dementia, and we had to make sure she was wrapped with something at all times. She had no sense of temperature.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips. Keeping seniors warm is so important, but it can be very easy to forget to take precautions.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great idea to donate these items around winter time to our senior center. Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteI love these tips. I will look to see where i can donate some items in my area.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! This is so important! I donate often!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea. A thermal blanket is a good one to keep around.
ReplyDeleteWe had a few cases of Seniors being severly harmed in Michigan this winter due to dementia. It was heart breaking.
ReplyDeleteI love this post. These are great tips for caregivers of seniors. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAll 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.
ReplyDeleteThose 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.
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips and definitely good things to keep in mind. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThese 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.
ReplyDeleteIt is great to hear that people still care about one another in this world. I always try to help when I can!
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips. Its important we watch out for our senior citizens.
ReplyDelete