Cold weather safety tips for seniors

Biting cold, ice-slicked sidewalks and roadways, and storms that shut down businesses, schools and services — winter aggravations can create serious safety risks for seniors. Yet with some planning, preparation and caution, seniors can stay safe and even enjoy some time outdoors this season.

Here are seven tips for senior safety in cold weather:

•1. Make sure your home and its heat source are safe, secure and reliable. Before the weather turns cold, have your home’s furnace serviced. Change air filters throughout the house every 30 days. Check the insulation in your attic to ensure it meets government standards. Seniors can be more susceptible to the negative effects of cold, including joint discomfort, dry skin, chapped lips and general discomfort.

•2. Stay in touch. Isolation can be a problem for seniors throughout the year, but it can be life-threatening in bad weather. Be sure you check in regularly with someone whenever the weather turns bad. Establish a call schedule with a family member or another senior so they know to expect you to check in regularly. This way, if something prevents you from making your regular call — be it illness or injury — your winter watch buddy can send help.

•3. Outdoor exercise in fresh, brisk air can be beneficial to your mental and physical well-being. Take care when walking outdoors on ice or snow. Invest in equipment that can help you stay sure-footed, like extra traction devices. And don’t forget to place a floor mat by the door to catch snow and ice melting off your shoes.

•4. Be extra cautious when driving. Be sure your vehicle is in good repair and not likely to leave you sitting on the roadside in dangerously cold weather. Invest in good snow or all-weather tires, or snow chains if you live in an area that permits them. Avoid non-essential driving when the roads are bad, and schedule necessary trips during daylight hours when there is less traffic on the road.

•5. Stock up on non-perishable food items. Choose options like peanut butter, almonds, other nuts, cheeses and boxed milk that provide heat- and energy-generating protein. Keep some items on hand that require no cooking, in case you are without power during or after a winter storm.

•6. Keep a flashlight with fresh batteries, candles, a fully charged cell phone and a portable radio on hand for emergencies.

•7. Be sure your home is well-lighted inside and out during winter months when sunlight is dimmer and a covering of snow can impair your vision. When walking outside on a bright, snow-covered day use polarizing sunglasses to diminish glare and improve visual acuity.

With some simple precautions like preparing for storms when outdoors, seniors can feel safe and secure during winter months.