Although
we have had some weather this month when temperatures exceeded
those in certain parts of Florida and California, we Nutmeggers
know that more
snow, ice and sleet is surely in store for us. “Winter-related
accidents account for
a large number of all senior health-related insurance claims
during the winter
months” according to Scott Perry, chief operating
officer for Bankers Life and
Casualty Company. But by taking some precautions, seniors
can enjoy winter
safely and securely.
Seniors are more susceptible
to loss of body heat or hypothermia so it is important
to dress warmly, preferably in layers. Since as much as
50% of body heat is lost
through the head, a hat or wool head scarf is a must. Most
experts advise that
mittens will keep hands warmer than gloves but I find I
drop car keys and can’t
open doors if I wear mittens and much prefer a cashmere
lined glove. To avoid slips
and falls, wear boots that are non-skid, well insulated
and waterproof with wide,
low heels. Light weight ones that have a full length zipper
for easy access, are
especially useful. A walk on a crisp, winter day is invigorating
but if you use a cane,
one with a retractable ice pick is a good choice and wear
bright colored clothing or
reflective strips on clothes so that you are readily visible.
Some areas of our cities
develop large icy patches at the cross walks or big slushy
areas making crossing the
street a hazardous undertaking. By all means, ask a passer-by
to help you cross an
icy surface. Surprisingly, baby boomers are the most prone
to falling on ice but it is
the older age groups that are more likely to be admitted
to the hospital, with serious
injuries when they fall.
In the summertime, it is easy
to remember to drink plenty of liquids but we still
need six to eight glasses of non-caffeinated liquids in
dry, cold weather, to avoid
dehydration. Our skins become dry too, so protect yours
with a protective cream
or lotion and while hot showers feel wonderful, lukewarm
ones followed by a
body lotion rub, will prevent the itching, scaly skin that
often accompanies winter
weather. Home fires are another hazard in the wintertime.
Heating devices that are fueled by gas, oil, kerosene or
wood in a closed up house can produce deadly carbon
monoxide gas. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every
level of the house
are vitally important and they should have long lasting
batteries. If you do use a
space heater, keep anything that can burn at least three
feet away or buy one that
automatically shuts off if the heater should fall over.
Wood burning fireplaces need
a glass front or large screen to protect against flying
sparks or rolling logs.
Finally, have your car serviced
and winterized so it is ready for difficult road
conditions. Tires need sufficient tread and proper air pressure.
Have the anti-
freeze level checked. Have your mechanic check the windshield
wipers and engine
oil and that your battery is fully charged. AAA has a great
Severe Weather Travel
Kit for about $40 which was recently out of stock but should
be available again by
early February. Other helpful aids include an ingenious
although somewhat costly,
snow shovel on a wheel which promises stress-free shoveling
due to its’ super
leveraging design. (www.wovel.com)
and the Ice Carpet which you lay down on your
walk after it snows. A combination of non-skid material
and tough layered fibers
is said to provide surefootedness on your walks. Additional
snow or ice can be
swept off with a broom. (Ice carpet fulloflife.com)
While it is best to remain
at home in really treacherous weather, winter should not
be a time to hibernate. It is important to join an exercise
class, or other stimulating
activity and to continue to see friends and family. To quote
Anton Chekhov, the
Russian playwright, (and who should know about winter, if
not a Russian?) “People
don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when
they’re happy.”
Jean Cherni
is founder of Senior Living Solutions, a retirement advisory
service. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or
15 The Ponds, Branford 06405.
H. Pearce Company REALTORS®
is a full-service real estate company with more than 100
agents and branch offices in greater New Haven and the Shoreline.
Corporate and & Commercial offices are located in North
Haven, where the company was founded in 1958. All listings
can be found in color on the web at: www.hpearce.com. |
