Skip to main content

The Older Adult’s Guide to Cold Weather

By U.S. News & World Report

Cold weather brings special risks for older adults. In the Division of Geriatrics at Montefiore Health System in the Bronx, New York, our team works to educate our patients and their families and caregivers about keeping safe in the cold weather.

The most frequent winter injuries we see are due to patients slipping and falling. Nationwide, the data show that the risk of hip fractures rises significantly in the winter because of falls on ice and snow. Unfortunately, I frequently see seniors who try to be careful by limiting their outdoor activities in the winter but then end up slipping on their front steps or when taking out the trash. To avoid this, we encourage all adults to wear boots with non-skid soles even on short trips outside and to be certain their walkway is clear and treated with sand or salt. If using a cane, it’s important to be certain that the rubber tip has been replaced before it has worn out. Also, some health professionals recommend using specialized tips for canes and walkers that are designed to provide extra traction on the ice. However, the safest plan is to avoid walking on slippery surfaces.

[See: 14 Ways to Protect Seniors From Falls.]

In general, falls are the most common cause for serious injury in older adults. Of community-dwelling adults over 65 years old, more than one-third fall every year. I encourage all older adults to discuss their risk of falls with their physician. In particular, anyone who has fallen, is worried about falling or feels unsteady should undergo a complete fall evaluation. Some of the actions you can take to prevent falls include: have your doctor or pharmacist review your medications; start an exercise program to improve balance and strength; have your eyes and feet checked; and finally, make your home safer. You can work with your health care team to address all of these key areas of fall prevention. In the winter, it’s critical to avoid slipping on ice and snow. So use caution when going outside: Wear boots with non-skid soles, be certain that your path is well-lit and make sure there are handrails on all staircases.

Older adults are also at increased risk for hypothermia, which happens when your body temperature drops to a dangerously low level. This can happen if you’re outside in very cold weather, but it even can happen if your house is very cold. Experts recommend keeping your heat set at 68 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you’re having trouble paying your heating bills, there are many different community and government organizations that may be able to help; to find assistance near you, use the Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116 (toll-free) or eldercare.gov. If you set your thermostat so that your house becomes colder overnight, sleep in extra layers of clothing, including long underwear and a hat. During the day, wear extra layers of clothes and slippers with socks. If you have to go outside in cold weather, be certain to wear multiple layers of clothing: two to three layers of loose fitting clothing will help trap air in between the layers to keep you warm. Be sure to wear a hat, boots and a scarf to cover your mouth and nose. If you can, wear mittens, which are much warmer than gloves and help protect your hands from the cold. You may want to let someone know you’re going outside, and it’s important to always carry a fully charged cell phone so you can call for assistance.

[See: 11 Things Seniors Should Look for in a Health Provider.]

Everyone should know the warning signs of hypothermia. In older adults, these may include: cold feet and hands; pale skin; feeling very weak, tired or sleepy; being confused; having trouble walking; slow breathing and low heart rate. Hypothermia is a medical emergency. If you think you or someone you know is suffering from hypothermia, call 911.

[See: Osteoarthritis and Activity: Walking It Out.]

Many common diseases increase an older adult’s risk in cold weather. Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia frequently have poor judgment. They may not complain about feeling cold and may not dress appropriately for the weather. Families and caregivers of adults with dementia need to be alert and closely supervise them in the winter. Many older adults have trouble moving around because of severe arthritis, Parkinson’s disease or strokes, which make them more vulnerable in the cold weather. Also, many common diseases, including diabetes, lead to poor circulation, which is an additional risk for injury in the cold. Finally, there are medications that may increase your risk for hypothermia. Your physician or pharmacist can review your medications with you and let you know if you’re at increased risk in the cold.

More from U.S. News

14 Ways to Protect Seniors From Falls

11 Things Seniors Should Look for in a Health Provider

13 Ways to Solve Sleep Problems in Seniors

The Older Adult’s Guide to Cold Weather originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
Read Next Story

Related News

Where to take the family while they visit DC

Government shuts down after last-minute talks and Senate vote fail

How the Tax Cut Affects Investors