Winter Safety Checklist for Seniors

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While the view of the wintery landscapes and snowflakes falling from the sky can be beautiful, the storms and freezing temperatures can be debilitating. There are a few precautions that you can take to keep warm and safe during the winter months.

Dressing in layers inside and outside is critical. Make sure you have plenty of blankets and non-slip socks or slippers to prevent unnecessary falls. Also, add some extra lighting around the house so you can see more clearly. Since days are shorter in the winter, natural sunlight does not light up a room quite as it did before.

Prepping the outside of your home can be more stressful than preparing for the inside. First, place rock salt on your sidewalk and driveway to help melt incoming or present snow. It also would be wise to carry around a small bag of rock salt to melt an icy path you come across while walking about. Shovel snow as soon as possible, so it doesn’t turn into ice. Push the snow in front of you, and don’t try to lift it. If you are struggling and need help, do not be afraid to enlist the help of a neighbor or a family member.

When the weather turns cold, we tend to nestle up in our homes and stay there until spring pokes its head out. This is unhealthy not only for our bodies but also for our mental health. To counteract this:

  1. Start by walking around the house.
  2. During a commercial break or between a chapter in a book, take a quick lap around the living room to get the blood flowing.
  3. If you are able, try going to the gym.

Not only will you get a good workout, but you can also socialize with other people at the gym, which can do wonders for your mental health.

If you do any of these things, your winter should be better! If you need medical attention or advice, contact the offices at Country Court at (740) 397-4125.

seniors walking in a winter wonderland