How To Prevent Falls Among Seniors During Winter?

According to research, nearly 16.1 Million seniors go to emergencies due to fall-related injuries in the winter season. The chances of falling in winter increase for seniors aged 65 years and above.

The leading cause of injuries among seniors is falls. The seniors must be aware of the falls as the cold weather approaches. The risk is even more for the seniors who go outside in snow and ice. Going out in snow or ice is unsafe for seniors because as seniors age, the sensation in their feet tends to decline.

The seniors can also experience the side effects of multiple medications due to which they can fall in winter weather. Consequently, here are some tips to prevent falls among seniors in the winter months.

Tips To Prevent Falls During Winters

Opt for the right products- Look for the products the seniors can use to prevent themselves from falling. You can also take the help of a senior’s physician to choose the right products for the senior when going out.

Clothing- Make sure that the seniors wear the right clothing. Wear rubber-soled shoes for better traction and bundle up warmly while ensuring ease of movement and visibility. Prioritize light stretching before going outside to enhance physical readiness and reduce the risk of falls.

Safety plan- Always have a safety plan in place for seniors. For instance, give seniors a cell phone or a device using which, you can come to know if the senior falls. Make sure you practice using these devices with seniors at home to make sure that these will work on time. Also, add extra lighting in your house and hire someone to shovel snow and salt your sidewalks.

Maintain exercise habits- Maintaining exercise motivation at home can be challenging, but indoor exercises can effectively keep you fit. Engage in activities like knee-bends at a counter or balancing on one leg. Activities like marching in place or sitting and standing from a couch can also help strengthen legs. Consider consulting a doctor or exercise specialist to create a comprehensive indoor exercise regimen.

Don’t push limits- No doubt that seniors feel the urge to go out sometimes, especially in winter but do not ask seniors to push their limits. Otherwise, going out even when they don’t feel like increases the risk of falls.

Many studies indicate falls among seniors can be severe. Consequently, make sure to keep all these tips in mind to prevent seniors from developing injuries from falling in winter.