A Senior’s Guide to Winter Safety
Whether you like it or not, Winter is here in Atlantic Canada. Winter can be a beautiful season, but it can bring unique challenges, especially for seniors. With icy conditions, shorter days, and cold temperatures - staying safe and healthy requires some extra care and preparation. Here are some essential winter safety tips to keep in mind this year.
Fall Prevention. Slippery sidewalks, stairs and icy driveways can make falls more likely to happen during the winter months. To reduce the risk:
- Wear sturdy, non-slip boots with good treads.
- Keep sidewalks, driveways, and steps clear of snow and ice by shoveling and using salt or sand when necessary. Do not overexert yourself - ask for help if this chore is too challenging!
- Install handrails on stairs.
- Use a cane or walker if needed, and consider adding cane tips designed for ice.
Stay Active Indoors. Staying active in the winter is important for maintaining strength, balance, and overall health. Some great indoor activities include:
- Chair yoga or gentle stretching.
- Walking indoors at a local mall or community center.
- Strength training using light weights or resistance bands.
- Invest in a mini stepper or mini pedal - perfect for smaller spaces and are a good alternative to big and bulky treadmills and exercise bikes.
Safety Around The Home. Protect yourself and your home.
- Ensure heaters are in proper working order and away from flammable materials.
- Always closely monitor candles and space heaters.
- Keep an emergency kit handy and have a plan in place to prepare for power outages.
- Test the batteries in your smoke detectors.
Keep in Good Spirits. Shorter days, less sunlight and spending more time indoors can lead to feelings of sadness or loneliness. To help boost your mood:
- Get natural sunlight by sitting near a window. Take advantage of warmer, sunnier days by going for walks - but remember to dress appropriately and wear proper footwear!
- Stay connected with loved ones through phone calls and video chats when in-person visits are limited.
- Engage in hobbies like knitting, puzzles or reading.
Medication Management. Don't let unwanted surprises ruin your medications and routines.
- Ensure your medications are kept at the right temperature. Some medications can lose effectiveness if exposed to freezing temperatures or high heat.
- Keep an eye out on refill schedules and plan ahead for inclement weather.
- The new year is a good time to clean out your medicine cabinet to get rid of old, expired medicine. Your local pharmacy can dispose of these medicines safely.
At Pharmacy For Life, we’re here to help you and your loved ones have a safe winter season. In the communities we operate in we offer free in-home delivery so you don’t have to brave winter road conditions to get what you need. We also offer free in-home assessments to identify potential hazards that may pose a safety risk and recommend products that can enhance quality of life and independence at home. To find out more about our story, values and services, click here.
Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay warm.
The Pharmacy For Life Team