1. Avoid Slips and Falls
Icy, snowy roads and sidewalks make it easy for anyone to slip and fall. Often times these falls can cause major injuries such as hip and wrist fractures, head trauma, and major cuts. “Unfortunately, falls are a common occurrence for senior citizens, especially during the winter months,” says Dr. Stanley Wang, a physician at Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto, Calif. While younger individuals tend to recover from these injuries relatively quickly, older adults tend to face complications, which Dr. Wang says are a leading cause of death from injury in men and women over the age of 65.
Here are some tips to help seniors avoid slips and falls on icy, snowy roads and walkways:
- Wear shoes with good traction and non-skid soles
- Replace worn cane tips to make walking easier
- Take shoes off as soon as you return indoors to avoid melted snow and ice puddles forming and causing slippery spots
Dr. Comfort Victory Women’s Athletic Shoe
Extra lightweight mesh and leather fitness shoes cushion impact to help protect joints while stabilizing arches for enhanced support.
Shoe Ice Cleats
Walk safely with ease on ice and snow. No-slip studded shoe ice cleats firmly grip icy surfaces and packed snow.
Cane Ice Grip Attachment
Turn any cane into a winter safety tool with this cane ice grip accessory. Simply slip on the can ice grip, tighten bracket screw, and walk confidently with fewer worries of slips and falls.
Quad Cane Tip
Non-slip, non-marring rubber replacement. This four-footed quad cane tip adds stability and stands by itself.
2. Dress Warm
Cold temperatures can lead to frostbite and hypothermia. It is important to make sure that your body temperature never drops below 95 degrees as it can be detrimental to your health. According to the CDC, more than half of hypothermia-related deaths are individuals over the age of 65.
If you go outside during the winter months it is important to wear warm clothing to avoid problems such as frostbite and hypothermia. Easy Comforts offers a variety of products to help keep you warm during winter.
Buffalo Plaid Bomber Hat
This classic winter bomber hat looks great on everybody! The quilted interior and faux fur insulates for warmth.
Fleece Lined Leggings by Sawyer Creek
These sleek, comfortable fleece-lined leggings are so cozy, you’ll want to wear them 24/7, straight through spring!
Micro Fleece Vest By Sawyer Creek Studio
Ultimate in versatility for indoors and outdoors! Unlined fleece vest for women has zip front and open side-seam pockets to keep hands warm.
Polar Fleece Shawl
No buttons to fumble with or zippers to pull, this polar fleece shawl with hand-warming pockets gives you warmth when you need it.
3. Safe Winter Driving
Driving during the winter can be hazardous for anyone. However, it can be especially dangerous for older individuals who may not drive as often or whose reflexes may not be a quick as they used to be.
Getting your car serviced before winter hits can make a world of a difference. Make sure to get things checked such as the oil, tires, battery, and wipers. Additionally, making sure you equip your car with helpful tools can help you tremendously should you find yourself in a jam. Easy Comforts has some tools to help you put your mind at ease when driving.
No Frost Cloth
Specially treated to create an invisible, protective shield that helps prevent frost from forming on your windshield, allowing clear, safer vision.
Emergency Lanterns, Set of 2, by LivingSure
Arming you with 12 extremely bright LED lights and 360° of illumination each, these lanterns are a must have.
Cordless Auto Air Compressor by LivingSURE
Pump up a deflated tire no matter where you are. Built-in gauge lets you track air pressure while inflating.
Auto Helper Cane
Easily enter and exit the car safely! Cane fits securely into passenger or driver door — providing extra support to stand or sit without fall risk.
Winter months can definitely add to challenges that seniors already face, but with a little bit of planning and awareness, making it through winter can be safer and easier. In addition to the tips and tricks that we have listed above, it is important for seniors to remember to reach out to loved ones and friends should they need help.