With the November rain in place and early morning icy cold winds, winter has been declared open. While winter is the time for hot beverages and leafy greens, it’s also the time for various small ailments that creep in every year. From small aches to dry skin, from chapped lips to cracked heels, the season comes with its own set of small issues. Let’s look at some of the most common winter woes and how they can be tackled with dedicated care.
Outdoor Hazards
As the temperatures drop, seniors are at a higher risk of injury or illness. Besides the weather-related flu or viral fevers, conditions like hypothermia are common.
Hypothermia is the condition that happens when the body temperature gets very low. Some of the common signs of hypothermia are cold, pale or ashy skin, lack of energy, weakness, difficulty to breathe or walk, etc. With age, it becomes difficult for our bodies to stay warm and safe outside in cold temperatures. Older people lose body heat at a quicker rate as compared to a young person. Conditions like arthritis or diabetes can negatively impact body heat retention. As a result, seniors are more vulnerable to hypothermia. Keep yourselves covered to avoid exposure to cold.
Wear layers of clothes instead of one thick jacket as staying bundled up helps prevent hypothermia.
Indoor Conditions
Some of you may use room heaters in the winter months. If using an electric heater then remember to not use it for long stretch of time. The air that comes out of a heater depletes the moisture present in the room. This can cause itching and dryness of the skin. Use a humidifier during winter months instead to keep the moisture level at a higher level. If you use an electric heater then keep a bowl of water near the heater so that the moisture level in the room is maintained.
Also staying indoors for long spells of time can cause joint pain. If you are unable to go out for a walk due to air pollution or cold then keep yourself active indoors. Practice yoga and some stretching exercises every day.
Skin Woes
With age, our skin becomes thinner and more fragile, making seniors more susceptible to skin issues. Winter weather can also worsen common senior skin issues such as shingles and bruising, making them more prone to itchy skin and rashes.
A long, hot shower should be avoided in cold weather as it can dry out the skin. Use lukewarm water for showers, keep them short and use a moisturising body wash or soap.
Very few of us feel thirst during cold months and as a result, there is a danger of dehydration. It can lead to dry skin and also cause the skin to sag making you appear older. Ensure that you keep sipping small amounts of water every hour. Also don’t forget to use a thick moisturizer and feet cream to tackle dry, scaly and itchy skin.