Cold Weather Safety

Most people feel cold every so often during the winter, but older adults are more likely to feel cold. Why? They lose body heat faster than when they were young. Aging makes it harder to be aware of getting cold. The body needs its fat reserves for emergency energy; fat helps insulate the body and protect vital organs. As we age, our body distribution changes, including our body fat percentage, muscle mass, skin, and sweat glands. These changes can affect our body’s thermal regulation. For older adults, feeling cold can lead to hypothermia. It is important for members of our age group to be aware that a “big chill” can turn into hypothermia.

What Is Hypothermia?

It is when the body temperature gets very low. For an older person, a body temperature of 95°F or lower can cause many health problems such as heart attack, kidney problems, or liver damage. Being outside in the cold or being in a very cold house can lead to hypothermia. The National Institute for Aging suggests people try to stay away from cold places and to pay attention to how cold it is in their living quarters.

Symptoms of hypothermia

early signs of hypothermia: cold feet and hands, puffy or swollen face, pale skin, shivering (in some cases the person with hypothermia does not shiver), slower than normal speech or slurring words, acting sleepy, being angry or confused. Later signs of hypothermia: moving slowly, trouble walking, or being clumsy, stiff, and jerky arm or leg movements, slow heartbeat, slow, shallow breathing, blacking out or losing consciousness. Living in a cold house, apartment, or other building (e.g., nursing home or assisted living) can cause hypothermia. Know someone in a group facility? When visiting, pay attention to the inside temperature and to whether that person is dressed warmly enough.

People who are ill may have special problems keeping warm. Temperatures between 60°F and 65°F may not be warm enough to keep safe. This is a special problem for those living alone as there is no one else to feel the chilliness or notice if one has symptoms of hypothermia. Some illnesses may make it harder for the body to stay warm such as thyroid problems and diabetes which can keep blood from flowing normally to provide warmth. Parkinson's disease and arthritis can make it hard to put on more clothes, use a blanket, or get out of the cold. Memory loss can cause a person to go outside without the right clothing. Taking some medicines (both prescription and OTCs) and not being active can affect body heat.

Steps to take to lower chance of developing hypothermia:

• Keep warm while inside.
• Set heat to at least 68–70°F.
• Dress warmly on cold days.
• Throw a blanket over your legs.
• Wear socks and shoes that provide warmth.
• When going to sleep, consider wearing long underwear under pajamas, a cap or hat.
• Use extra covers.
• Make sure to eat enough food to maintain weight. Not eating well might mean one has less fat. Body fat helps insulate and stay warm.
• Ask family or friends to check on you during cold weather. If a power outage leaves you without heat, try to stay with a relative or friend. And of course, bundle up on windy, cold days. Note that alcoholic drinks can lead to loss of body heat.

Five Tips for Exercising Safely During Cold Weather

Check NIA’s infographic of the five tips. Keep in mind a heavy wind can quickly lower body temperature. Check the weather forecast for windy and cold days. On those days, try to stay inside or in a warm place. If you must go out, wear warm clothes. Do not stay out in the cold and wind for a long time. Other tips: Dress for the weather. Wear loose layers of clothing. The air between the layers helps to keep you warm. Put on a hat and scarf. Wear a waterproof coat or jacket if it is snowy. Change clothes right away if they get damp or wet.

Call 9-1-1 right away if you think someone has warning signs of hypothermia.

What to do after you call 911: “Try to move the person to a warmer place. Wrap the person in a warm blanket, towels, or coats—whatever is handy. Even your own body warmth will help. Lie close but be gentle. Give the person something warm to drink, but avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, such as regular coffee. Do not rub the person's legs or arms. Do not try to warm the person in a bath. Do not use a heating pad.”