Winter tips for seniors

Senior Connections, The Capital Area Agency on Aging, is advising family, friends and neighbors to take time to check on the wellbeing of older family members and friends, especially those living alone, to ensure that they have needed medications, food and heat.

"Older adults can lose body heat faster than when they were young, and some health problems and medications can make it harder for them to stay warm," says Dr. Richard J. Hodes, director of the National Institute on Aging.

In extreme cold weather, seniors are at high risk of developing hypothermia, a condition where the body's temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit because of exposure to cold, either indoors or outside. Low body temperature can cause heart attack, kidney problems, liver damage and sometimes death. Symptoms of hypothermia include slow or slurred speech, incoherence, memory loss, drowsiness and uncontrollable shivering. If the person's temperature is below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, seek immediate medical attention.

There are simple steps seniors and their families can take to lower their risks during cold weather:

1. Stock up on nonperishable foods.

2. Keep an adequate supply of prescription medications on hand. If your pharmacy delivers medications, you may also want to contact them about their schedule in times of inclement weather.

3. Have needed telephone numbers on hand in case of an emergency such as loss of power, heat, or running water or in case of a fall or accident.

4. Have an emergency plan in case you don't have electricity or telephone service.

5. In extremely cold temperatures, stay indoors and limit time outside. Even without exertion, cold weather puts a strain on the heart.

6. Dress warmly wearing layers to insulate your body from the cold. Wear a hat outdoors to prevent loss of body heat through your head, and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from cold air.

7. Sleep under several lightweight blankets instead of one heavy blanket.

8. Take precautions to avoid falls on ice or slippery walkways and ask a neighbor or friend to help clear walkways when needed.

For general assistance, you may contact Senior Connections, The Capital Area Agency on Aging, at 343-3000 or toll free at (800) 989-2286.