A recent winter blast that left inches of snow and plummeting temperatures in Southwest Florida is an uncommon occurrence that can leave our elderly population quite vulnerable to the cold. 
As we age, our bodies have a more difficult time regulating temperature making them susceptible to health issues due to the cold. Hazards of cold weather and snow also include greater risk of falling on icy surfaces, injuries from the cold temperatures, such as frostbite, and hypothermia.
Older adults are also more likely to have certain medical conditions that make it harder to stay warm. Diabetes, thyroid problems and arthritis are among the most common that can complicate potential cold weather health issues. For elderly Floridians who are typically snow-starved for decades, there are some precautions that can help minimize any risk due to the recent snow storm:
Wear eye protection outdoors. Staring at the beauties of a winter storm, like the snow, can cause an eye condition called photokeratitis. Eye exposure to too much ultraviolet light, like when staring at snow for too long, can cause temporary eye pain. Although the condition typically cures on its own, it’s best to wear good sunglasses when outdoors to avoid over-exposure altogether.
Think twice before shoveling that snow. It’s important to have a plan for safe passage after a storm. However, shoveling heavy snow in cold temperatures can be a heavy workout on the heart, especially for those who have or are at risk for heart disease. It is better to hire someone to take care of the snow removal as soon as a winter storm is predicted.
Dress appropriately and limit outdoor time. Don’t be fooled by post-storm sunny skies. Temperatures can still be well below typical Florida temps and pose a threat to health and safety. If your loved one must go outside, make sure they dress with multiple layers and outwear is waterproof, in case of a fall. Wear a warm hat and gloves to help keep heat in and frigid air out, and rubber-soled shoes to avoid slipping.
Keep the house winter-safe, too. Floridians don’t often have to worry about the effects of extreme cold on their home. One of the biggest threats to a structure is frozen or bursting water pipes, which causes significant damage and can leave an elderly person homeless. This can be avoided by keeping the thermostat at the same warmer temperature day and night, until the unseasonable weather subsides.
As we age, our bodies have a more difficult time regulating temperature making them susceptible to health issues due to the cold. Hazards of cold weather and snow also include greater risk of falling on icy surfaces, injuries from the cold temperatures, such as frostbite, and hypothermia.
Older adults are also more likely to have certain medical conditions that make it harder to stay warm. Diabetes, thyroid problems and arthritis are among the most common that can complicate potential cold weather health issues. For elderly Floridians who are typically snow-starved for decades, there are some precautions that can help minimize any risk due to the recent snow storm:
Wear eye protection outdoors. Staring at the beauties of a winter storm, like the snow, can cause an eye condition called photokeratitis. Eye exposure to too much ultraviolet light, like when staring at snow for too long, can cause temporary eye pain. Although the condition typically cures on its own, it’s best to wear good sunglasses when outdoors to avoid over-exposure altogether.
Think twice before shoveling that snow. It’s important to have a plan for safe passage after a storm. However, shoveling heavy snow in cold temperatures can be a heavy workout on the heart, especially for those who have or are at risk for heart disease. It is better to hire someone to take care of the snow removal as soon as a winter storm is predicted.
Dress appropriately and limit outdoor time. Don’t be fooled by post-storm sunny skies. Temperatures can still be well below typical Florida temps and pose a threat to health and safety. If your loved one must go outside, make sure they dress with multiple layers and outwear is waterproof, in case of a fall. Wear a warm hat and gloves to help keep heat in and frigid air out, and rubber-soled shoes to avoid slipping.
Keep the house winter-safe, too. Floridians don’t often have to worry about the effects of extreme cold on their home. One of the biggest threats to a structure is frozen or bursting water pipes, which causes significant damage and can leave an elderly person homeless. This can be avoided by keeping the thermostat at the same warmer temperature day and night, until the unseasonable weather subsides.