Cold Weather Safety for Older Adults

What is hypothermia?

Hypothermia occurs when the body’s core temperature drops below 95°F. It is often caused by exposure to cold temperatures and can lead to serious health problems, such as arrythmia (irregular heartbeat), heart failure, and damage to the kidneys or liver. Hypothermia can also occur at cool temperatures (above 40°F) if you become chilled from rain, sweat, or being in cold water.

Hypothermia affects the brain and makes it difficult to think clearly, so people may not realize what is happening and that they need help. It’s important to be aware of warning signs and early symptoms, including:

• Cold feet and hands
• Puffy or swollen face
• Pale skin
• Shivering or shaking
• Slowed or slurred speech
• Feeling sleepy, angry, or confused

If the exposure to cold continues, later symptoms of hypothermia can include stiff and jerky arm and leg movements, slow heartbeat or breathing, loss of consciousness, and eventually, death.

Hypothermia is a medical emergency. If someone is showing signs of hypothermia, call 911 right away. Try to move the person to a warmer place, offer them a warm drink, and wrap them in dry blankets, towels, or coats.

Preventing unsafe exposure to cold outdoors

Here are some tips for keeping warm when the temperature drops outside:

• Check the weather forecast for windy and cold days. A heavy wind can quickly lower your body temperature — try to stay inside or in a warm place.
• If you must go out on windy, cold, or damp days, don’t stay outside for long.
• Let others know when you’re planning to spend time outdoors and carry a fully charged mobile phone.
• Keep warm blankets and extra cold-weather clothing in your car.
• Wear a hat, scarf, and gloves or mittens to prevent loss of body heat through your head and hands. Also consider using disposable or rechargeable hand- and foot-warming products.
• Wear warm and loose layers of clothing. The air between the layers helps to keep you warm.
• Wear a waterproof coat or jacket if it’s snowy or rainy.

Change out of damp or wet clothes as soon as you can.

Staying warm indoors

About 20% of injuries related to exposure to cold occur in the home. Here are some tips to help keep warm:

• Set your heat to at least 68°F. Even mildly cool homes with temperatures from 60 to 65°F can lead to hypothermia in older adults.
• Place a rolled towel in front of doors to keep out drafts.
• Keep your blinds and curtains closed, and if you have gaps around the windows, try using weather stripping or caulk to keep the cold air out.
• Dress warmly on cold days, even if you are staying inside. Wear socks and slippers and make use of throw blankets.
• When you go to sleep, use extra covers. Wear long underwear under your pajamas and consider wearing a head covering.
• Make sure you eat enough food to maintain your weight — some body fat is necessary for staying warm.
• Avoid or limit alcohol intake. Alcoholic drinks can make you lose body heat.
• Ask someone to check on you during cold weather. If a power outage leaves you without heat, try to stay with a relative or friend.

You may be tempted to warm your room with a portable space heater, but some space heaters are fire hazards or can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has more information on the use of space heaters. Read the following for tips on using space heaters safely: Reducing Fire Hazards for Portable Electric Heaters and Seven Highly Effective Portable Heater Safety Habits.