How To Prevent The Most Common Winter Injuries Suffered By Seniors

It’s certainly no surprise to Albertans that temperatures have dropped significantly below zero, as of late. After all, it is the middle of February. This is the time of year when we all have to consider ways to keep both warm and safe. Seniors are cautioned to take extra special care traversing the icy and snow-filled sidewalks and streets.

Needless to say, slips, falls and winter weather-related conditions are more prevalent among older adults. To keep seniors safe all throughout the season, it’s important to recognize the most common winter injuries and take steps to prevent them.

Falls are the leading cause of winter injuries for seniors.

According to Alberta Health Services, one in three Albertans over the age of 65 will fall at least once a year. Now, when you add the ice and snow that comes with every winter season, dangerous walking conditions are created. Keep in mind that seniors are also more prone to falls due to factors like muscle weakness, reduced coordination and poor vision. It’s vital that older adults take precautions when walking in winter weather.

First things first, they should wear proper footwear. Insulated, waterproof boots with non-slip soles are ideal as they provide better traction. There are also winter-specific footwear options that are designed to reduce the risk of slipping on ice. As well, use traction devices to help ensure your stability. Ice cleats or non-slip shoe covers are affordable and easy to attach to shoes. They’re great at providing extra grip on icy surfaces.

Secondly, be sure to get your walkways shovelled and salted regularly. Especially important after every snowfall, clearing the driveway, sidewalk or walkway will prevent the build-up of ice. This, of course, reduces the risk of slips and falls. Don’t forget to make use of handrails and walking aids too. Seniors should use such mobility solutions as canes or walkers for extra stability when venturing outside.

Seniors are particularly vulnerable to hip, wrist and ankle fractures.

A fall on ice or the hard ground can lead to broken bones. This is a major concern for older adults because of their decreased bone density. Some also contend with osteoporosis. This bone disease is defined by bone loss occurring more rapidly than normal. It causes bones to become very thin and weak over time. Falls from any height can result in serious fractures and recovery can be much slower than it is for younger individuals.

To prevent fractures, seniors are urged to strengthen their bones and muscles. Weight-bearing exercises and strength training can help. They improve bone density and muscle strength, making falls less likely. As well, older adults should maintain balanced diets that are rich in calcium and vitamin D to support bone health.

“People over the age of 50 need 1200 mg of calcium each day,” informs Health Canada, “As you age, your body doesn’t absorb calcium as well, so calcium rich foods are important and you may require a calcium supplement. Calcium rich foods include milk and milk products; salmon and sardines with bones; beans; sunflower and sesame seeds; broccoli and other greens; figs; and rhubarb.”

As the temperature drops, seniors are more at risk for hypothermia.

This is a condition where the body’s core temperature falls below normal. This is particularly dangerous for older adults because their ability to regulate body temperature decreases with age. Exposure to cold weather, even for a short time, can cause hypothermia. It can lead to confusion, slowed heart rate and potentially life-threatening complications.

How can older adults prevent hypothermia? The first and likely most obvious step is to layer clothing before going out into the cold. Seniors should wear moisture-wicking fabrics as their base layers, insulating second layers and windproof, waterproof outer layers. Give this blog a read for more detailed instructions on how to dress in layers that trap heat!

It’s important to monitor your elderly loved one for signs of hypothermia. They include cold feet and hands, a puffy or swollen face, pale skin, shivering, shaking, slowed or slurred speech, fatigue and feelings of anger or confusion. Be mindful that hypothermia is a medical emergency. If someone is showing signs of hypothermia, you should call 911 right away.

Seniors have a higher risk of suffering frostbite.

Frostbite occurs when the skin and underlying tissues freeze due to prolonged exposure to very cold temperatures. Seniors, especially those with poor circulation, are more likely to suffer frostbite. It most commonly affects the fingers, toes, nose and ears. If left untreated, frostbite can result in permanent tissue damage.

To prevent frostbite, older adults need to avoid long periods of outdoor exposure during extremely cold weather. As well, while it should go without saying, it’s vital to wear gloves, hats and scarves when going outside. Ensure that the hands, feet, ears and nose are properly covered. Wool and synthetic materials provide the best insulation.

The Canadian Paediatric Society’s advice for preventing frostbite in children can easily be applied to seniors. “Consider keeping them indoors whenever the temperature or the wind chill is reported to be -27°C (-16°F) or lower,” they advise, “At this temperature, exposed skin begins to freeze. If you care for a group of kids, it might be hard to ensure they are all safe from frostbite at these low temperatures.”

Contact your friends at Advantage Home Health Solutions for help!

Winter can be a challenging season for seniors. However, with a few key precautions, the risk of injury can be minimized. Do you have an elderly loved one who could use some help preventing the most common of winter injuries? We’d be happy to discuss the ideal mobility solutions for them.

For example, our outdoor mobility scooters are excellent for use outside, even over rough terrain. Available in both the 4-wheel and 3-wheel variety, these scooters are available with suspensions, light packages and seating options. Let us help you create a safe and comfortable environment for your loved ones all throughout winter! Please don’t hesitate to give Advantage Home Health Solutions a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page!