It might have felt like the weather was beginning to get a little warmer, but it’s getting colder again. Sometimes it’s hard for seniors to stay warm and to help we have put together a few tips:
- Keep Warm Inside
- Did you know living in a cold home can cause hypothermia? It’s crucial that the inside temperature of your home at minimum is set to 68-70 degrees.
- Bundle up to keep warm
- Even if you don’t intend to go out, it is important to make sure you are adequately clothed.
- Wear socks (thermal if available) and slippers.
- Use extra covers, wear warm pajamas, and use a cap or hat at night to keep warm
- Close off rooms that are not in use to help save on heating costs.
- You can close the vents in the rooms that you are not using
- Shut the doors of the rooms that aren’t being used
- You can place a rolled towel in front of the doors to help keep out drafts.
- Keep curtains and blinds closed. Use weather stripping or window seals to keep the cold out.
- Eat
- It’s important to eat well through the day.
- Prepare warm meals such as soups.
- Keeping Warm If You Have To Go Out
- If you don’t have to go out- don’t.
- If you need to, bundle up!
- Dress appropriately for the weather
- Wear loose layers of clothing
- Use scarfs/hats
- Change your clothes if they get wet!
- Wearing damp/wet clothes can lead to getting sick.
Most importantly, if you need help it is important to reach out to your family and friends. There are government programs that can help keep you if you need assistance as well.
- National Energy Assistance Referral Service: 1-866-674-6321
- Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116
- National Association of Area Agencies on Aging: 202-872-0888
The information used in this post was gathered from the National Institution of Heath. You can find more information here: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/cold-weather-safety-older-adults