Winter Safety Tips (2024 Updated Guide)

When falling leaves turn to falling snow and ice, older adults are more susceptible to injuries from falls. We’ve put together a complete guide to help you or your loved ones reduce the chance of falling during the winter.

What are the common causes of winter falls?

Hypothermia

Older adults are particularly susceptible to hypothermia which can lead to dizziness, confusion, shallow breathing and a slow or irregular heartbeat, resulting in an increased risk of falling.

Sub-optimal vitamin D status

The reduced number of sunlight hours in winter can lead to lower vitamin D levels that reduce the muscle and bone strength necessary to deal with tougher walking conditions and minimize the chance of injury after a fall.

Bringing winter risks indoors

Winter boots can track snow indoors where it melts and can lead to a fall.

Reduced sense of touch

Age-related conditions such as poor circulation, arthritis and diabetes can cause a decreased sense of touch that can interfere with the ability to “feel” ground conditions through winter boots.

Vision problems

Visual acuity diminishes with age and older adults have more difficulty distinguishing hazardous patches of snowy or icy ground that can appear to be nothing more than varying shades of white and grey. In addition, average light levels are lower in the colder months, further impeding the ability to see risks and negotiate them safely.

Related: Home safety tips to reduce falls risk

6 Winter Safety Tips You Should Know

To reduce the chance of falling in winter, at-risk patients should take the following steps:

• Get traction
  The best defence against falling when it’s snowy and icy outside is to wear boots that provide a good grip on the ground. It’s easier said than done; one study of winter footwear by the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute’s WinterLab found that only 8% of almost 100 pairs of “winter boots” met their minimum slip resistance standard using the MAA (Maximum Achievable Angle) testing method.
• Stay fit and active
  When it’s cold outside, it’s tempting to stay indoors and hibernate. However, an older person’s inactivity can lead to a loss of muscle strength that may lead to a fall.
• Eat well
  Eating well-balanced, nutritious meals and foods rich in Vitamin D and calcium will help prevent dry, tight skin and minimize loss of bone density.
• Prevent hypothermia
  Dress warmly in layers when outdoors and be sure to stay hydrated to help blood circulation reach extremities.
• Be aware
  Older adults should avoid rushing and watch for hazards such as icy patches and uneven snow.
• Be prepared
  Seniors need to acknowledge the heightened risk they face in winter and think about how they would get help if they fall. Implementing a fall alert system can give you the peace of mind that you will receive the help you need if a serious fall occurs. Lifeline’s new On the Go mobile service is the perfect companion for older adults when they are facing the wilds of winter because it can call for help wherever your patient is located.¹ For seniors who are at home, HomeSafe or HomeSafe with Fall Detection can provide similar protection.