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Chicago doctor shares the best ways seniors can keep safe this winter
Fact checked by Catherine Gianaro
Winter’s cold temperatures and icy conditions can be especially tough for seniors. The biggest challenges older adults experience during this time of year involve their physical health, safety, and mental well-being, says Rene Roberts, MD, family medicine physician at Oak Street Health in Avalon Park.
“The key issues I commonly see with my patients are managing their chronic conditions like cardiovascular diseases and arthritis, risk of falls due to slippery streets and sidewalks, and mental health struggles like seasonal affective disorder,” she says. Many also face food and health insecurity, meaning they have to choose between a warm meal or a warm home.
With 2.9 million older adults braving Illinois weather, Roberts shares more with Caregiving about how older adults can stay safe and healthy through the winter and year-round.
Q: How can cold weather affect older adults’ physical health?
A: The most obvious risk is falling. Icy sidewalks and roads increase the likelihood of falls, which can lead to fractures or other injuries. This can be particularly challenging for older adults with existing mobility challenges. Joint pain and inflammation that arise as a result of arthritis can limit the range of motion through joints (especially in the hips and knees) that are needed to help stabilize the body when walking or standing. Older adults often take longer to recover from these injuries, making the risk of a fall that much more harmful.
There’s also an increased risk of hypothermia due to older adults’ bodies losing heat more quickly, and they may not feel the cold as intensely. Even mild hypothermia can cause confusion, fatigue, and heart problems. Chronic conditions can also be heightened during the cold because our bodies become less efficient at regulating temperature, making it harder to stay warm.
Q: How can cold weather affect older adults’ mental health?
A: Nearly a quarter of Americans over age 60 experiences social isolation, and this number is likely exacerbated by the harsh Chicago winter weather we’re finally experiencing. This can lead to seeking fewer opportunities to engage in social activity with other people and less physical activity, ultimately leading to an increase in isolation, which could contribute to depression.
Q: How can older adults care for themselves during the wintertime and year-round?
A: I always try to let my patients know a variety of ways they can care for their physical and mental health using the CALM approach:
C – Connect with others: Engage in conversation. Seek to have healthy conversations, whether it be in person, over the phone, or using video. Communication creates connection. It can melt away social and emotional barriers that often keep older adults isolated during the cold winter months. Reach out to family, friends, co-workers, or neighbors who you feel comfortable with and can discuss your thoughts and feelings.
A – Allocate time for self-care: Schedule short breaks throughout the day to recharge. Take a walk, listen to soothing music, or dance to your favorite song, take a stretch break, or spend a few minutes in meditation. These activities boost endorphins, improving mental clarity and reducing stress levels.
L – Listen to your body: Pay attention to the signals your body sends you. If you’re feeling fatigued, rest. If you’re hungry, nourish yourself with healthy foods. Notice signs of tension, discomfort, or pain, and address them promptly. This can include stretching, adjusting your posture, or scheduling regular check-ins with healthcare providers for preventive care. Listening to your body promotes overall well-being, prevents burnout, and helps you respond to stress effectively.
M – Maintain healthy habits: Stay hydrated and well nourished, and take medications as prescribed. Drink plenty of water, try to limit alcohol intake, and eat balanced meals. Ask trusted family members, friends, or neighbors to pick up prescription medications or groceries for you if you are unable to leave your home. And get moving! Incorporate physical activity into your day. Take an aerobics or dance class, or do exercises at home. It’s important and beneficial to maintain healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Exercise is a proven stress reliever and a great way to meet friends.
Q: What can loved ones do to help keep older adults safe during bad weather?
A: I always encourage loved ones and caretakers of older adults to check in with them more frequently when bad weather hits. It may seem obvious, but a simple phone call asking about their plans for the day and how they feel about the weather is a surefire way to help them feel heard and ensure their safety during bad weather. This way, you can gauge their needs accordingly. You can also always go the extra mile and offer to do things like shovel and salt their driveways or sidewalks, take them to appointments, fetch their medicine or groceries, weatherproof their home, and ensure their heating systems are working properly.
