Winter Safety Tips for the Elderly: Simple Ways to Stay Safe and Warm

Image source: Aaron Burden via Unsplash

While some people love wrapping up warm and embracing the colder months, winter brings unique challenges for older adults that shouldn’t be overlooked. Each year, elderly people across the UK are at a higher risk of winter-related health issues, from hypothermia and chest infections to slips on icy pavements. The good news is that most of these problems are preventable with a bit of preparation. We’ve created a comprehensive checklist to help you stay warm and healthy this winter. Read on to learn more.

How does cold weather affect the elderly?

As we age, our bodies naturally become more vulnerable to the cold weather, and it’s not just about feeling the chill. Your body undergoes several physical changes over time, making dropping temperatures more challenging. These include:

• Reduced circulation — Blood flow slows naturally over time, making it harder to maintain your body temperature and keep your hands and feet warm
• Thinner skin — Provides less natural insulation against the cold weather
• Slower metabolism — This means your body generates less heat on its own, making it difficult to get warm
• Reduced temperature awareness — Fewer nerve endings means you might not realise just how cold you’re getting, which can potentially be dangerous
• Medical conditions — Arthritis can worsen in cold weather and lead to increased joint pain. While, on the other hand, diabetes affects circulation, and heart conditions can mean your heart works harder to keep you warm in the cold
• Medication effects — Some medications interfere with how your body regulates temperature, meaning you might feel colder during the winter months
• Living alone — With fewer social activities to get you out of the house, many older adults struggle with feelings of loneliness and isolation during the winter
• Financial pressures — Rising energy costs mean some people keep heating lower than they should, increasing temperature-related health risks

Why is winter safety for seniors so important?

While the colder weather poses health risks to people of all ages, it’s particularly challenging for older adults. 

In the past decade alone, over 250,000 people over the age of 50 have lost their lives to cold-related illnesses, which equates to roughly one person passing away every seven minutes during the coldest months. These aren’t just numbers; they’re parents, grandparents, neighbours, and friends who are sadly no longer with us.

What makes these figures even more concerning is that, in England, around 4.5 million people aged 50+ with health conditions made worse by cold weather are living in properties that aren’t properly equipped for winter – whether that’s poor insulation, inadequate heating, or damp and draughty conditions.

When you’re already dealing with serious health conditions like Arthritis, respiratory issues, or heart problems, a cold home isn’t just uncomfortable – it’s dangerous.

Thankfully, winter doesn’t have to be this way. Small changes, such as maintaining the right temperature in your home, dressing appropriately, and staying connected with others, can make a significant difference to your health and wellbeing throughout the colder months.

7 winter safety tips for the elderly

Winter doesn’t have to be something to dread. With a bit of preparation, you can stay comfortable throughout the colder months. Here are seven top tips to help you enjoy the winter season safely:

1. Heat your home efficiently

Ideally, your home should be between 18-24°C during the winter, and it’s well worth investing in a wall thermometer to help you keep track of the temperature if you don’t already have one. It’s easy to misjudge how warm or cold a room actually is.  We know that fluctuating energy costs are a genuine concern for many people, which has resulted in 75% of those aged over 66 in the UK being unable to keep their homes as warm as they’d like during cold snaps.  The good news is there are ways to heat your home efficiently without breaking the bank:

• Close your curtains at dusk — This can trap heat inside, keeping your home warmer without needing the heating.
• Use draught excluders around doors and windows — These stop warm air escaping, raising the ambient temperature in a room. 
• Keep doors to rooms you’re not using closed — This means you’re only heating the spaces you actually need.
• Get your boiler serviced — A well-maintained boiler runs more efficiently and is less likely to break down when you need it most. 
• Bleed your radiators — This takes just a few minutes and can make a huge difference to how well your heating works.

Heating safety for seniors

A cold house isn’t the only safety concern for older adults during the winter. If you’re using electric heaters, keep them at least three feet away from anything flammable like curtains, bedding, or furniture, and never leave them on unattended or while you’re sleeping. Carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms are also essential, especially during winter when you’re more likely to be using heating systems or open fires. Test them regularly and replace the batteries if needed. If you have a chimney or flue, you’ll also need to have it checked and cleaned before using it, as any blockages from old bird nests or dust and debris can start fires.

2. Keep your home well-lit

The winter months come with darker mornings and evenings, which can make it challenging to see where you’re going and increase the risk of falls – especially if you struggle with poor vision. Make sure your home is well-lit throughout, particularly on staircases and hallways. Don’t forget about outdoor lighting, such as automatic lights inside porches or by the side of the front door to help you find your way in the dark. It’s also important to keep any pathways clutter-free to reduce the chances of stumbling or knocking into any obstacles. If you’re finding the stairs more challenging due to lower light or a joint condition like Arthritis, a home lift could help you access your whole home safely. It takes away the worry of navigating stairs when they might be more hazardous, giving you the confidence to move freely between floors.

3. Manage your nutrition

Your body works harder to stay warm in winter, which means you need a balanced diet to maintain your energy levels. Warming foods like soups, stews, and hot meals aren’t just comforting, seasonal staples; they also help keep you warm from the inside out. It’s also worth keeping your cupboards stocked with basics like long-life milk, pasta, rice, and other daily essentials in case bad weather means you can’t get to the shops for a few days. Also, while it’s easy to forget to drink enough water when it’s cold outside, staying hydrated is just as important in winter as it is in summer. Hot drinks are great for keeping warm, but try to balance them with regular glasses of water throughout the day. You’ll also need to stay on top of your vitamin levels to make sure you’re strong and healthy throughout the colder months. If you’re struggling to get enough vitamin D due to reduced sunlight, it’s worth talking to your GP about supplements. Just make sure you get professional advice before starting to take anything new.

4. Stay active indoors

It’s tempting to stay curled up on the sofa when it’s cold outside, but staying active is really important, even in winter. Regular movement helps maintain your strength and flexibility, which in turn reduces your risk of falls and keeps your bones healthy.  Cold weather can make muscles and joints stiffer, which is another reason why keeping active matters – particularly if you’re impacted by health conditions like Parkinson’s or Arthritis. The more you move, the less stiff you’ll feel, and the more confident you’ll feel about getting around safely. You don’t need to do anything strenuous; gentle indoor exercises, chair exercises, or even just moving around your home regularly can make a real difference.

5. Be prepared for seasonal illnesses

Unfortunately, winter comes with its own share of seasonal germs. Getting your flu jab is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself during the winter period. While this illness might not seem serious, each year, almost 7,000 people aged over 65 die as a result of flu-related complications in the UK. If you’re eligible for any other seasonal vaccinations, make sure you’re up to date with those as well. Stock up on your prescriptions before the worst weather arrives, and look into pharmacy delivery services if getting to the chemist becomes difficult. Keep a note of any important numbers where you can easily find them, like your GP surgery, NHS 111 for non-emergency advice, and 999 for emergencies.

6. Maintain your social connections

While it can be difficult to find the motivation to socialise with others when the weather outside is frightful, keeping up connections with friends and family is essential during the colder months. Winter can take a toll on your mental health, whether it’s seasonal affective disorder or simply feeling low because you’re stuck inside more often. Plus, because we tend to hibernate, the winter months can all worsen feelings of isolation and loneliness – feelings that are already a big problem for 1 in 14 older adults across the UK. Staying connected can take many forms. If you’re feeling up to leaving the house for a coffee and a walk in the park, this is a great way to socialise while staying physically active.  Alternatively, if you prefer to stay home, video calls can be an excellent way to spend time with your grandchildren, children, or even friends who live further afield.

7. Dress for the weather

When it comes to staying warm in the winter, many don’t realise that multiple thin layers work much better than one thick jumper. Layers trap air between them, which acts as insulation, and also lets you remove a layer or two if you get too warm. Vests or thermal underwear are great as a base layer, then try a long-sleeved top, a jumper or cardigan, and finally a warm coat when you’re heading outside. Don’t forget the essentials: a good hat (you lose a surprising amount of heat through your head), gloves or mittens, a scarf to protect your neck, a warm coat, and proper winter boots to avoid accidents on icy pavements. A waterproof outer layer is also worth having, too, as getting wet in cold weather can quickly lead to dangerous drops in body temperature and put you at risk of hypothermia.

Stay safe this winter with Stiltz

Winter doesn’t have to be daunting when you’re properly prepared. With the right precautions in place, you can enjoy the colder months in confidence. If stairs are making it harder to move safely around your home during winter, a home lift could help. Explore the Stiltz range, including the standard Duo model and wheelchair-friendly Trio – designed to integrate seamlessly into any home and give you step-free access to every floor. Get in touch to learn more, or visit our blog for further advice on ageing in place.