Avoiding Cold-Related Injuries

In a normal condition, body temperature is 36.6 degrees, but exposure to cold temperatures in winter may decrease the body temperature under this level and even lead to hypothermia.
Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops below 35 degrees Celsius. This condition may lead to multisystemic damage and even to mortal danger.

At the age of 65 and older, even with a slight drop in temperatures, the more personal health and environmental risk factors there are, the greater the risk of cold-related injuries.

Cold vulnerability increases at an older age due to physical and behavioral factors:

• Decreased senation of cold and a reduced ability to regulate and balance body temperature.
• Chronic morbidity and an increased number of drug intake.
• Poor nutritional status.
• Not drinking enough and dehydration, even in winter.
• Lack of movement in the house.
• Clothing incompatible with the weather conditions.
• Insufficient house heating to save costs.

How to avoid cold-related injuries in the winter

• Heat the house sufficiently.
• Avoid exposure to cold temperatures.
• Consult the attending physician about precautionary measures for chronic patients or people who are treated with sleeping pills, pain reliever or pain killers.
• Seek medical attention immediately in case of suspicion of hypothermia.

How to heat the house and avoid exposure to cold temperatures

• Temperature: it is important to maintain a steady indoor room temperature between 20-24 degrees Celsius. To verify the temperature, it is recommended to buy a thermometer to measure the room temperature
• Sealing your home: it is important to seal the openings of the house properly (windows and doors, etc.), and to ventilate the rooms.
• Humidity: be sure to maintain a sufficient humidity level in your home because dry air may make it difficult to breath, however, excessive humid air may cause morbidity
• Safe heaters: it is important to make sure that your heaters are safe. If you are uncertain about it, it is time to get help from family members and professionals. In no way should you use combustion furnaces that run on kerosene. These furnaces emit carbon monoxide and may cause loss of consciousness. If you find the cost of heating measures too expensive, you can ask for help from the welfare Services in your area of residence
• Clothing: warm and comfortable clothing, inside the house as well, helps prevent cold-related injuries. It is recommended to choose multiple layer clothing, to maintain the warmth, and make sure the layers do not restrict your movements.
  • Morning clothing: wear relatively warm clothing because the body is still not active enough (low metabolism).
  • Night clothing, during sleep: wear warm clothing, including socks. It is recommended to use flannel sheets and an appropriate blanket, and maintain the room heated, using safe heating measures.
• Leaving the House: when the temperatures outside are low, and the weather is stormy, it is advised to avoid going out. It is recommended to follow the weather forecasts and get prepared accordingly. If there is no choice and you must leave the house, it is essential to get dressed appropriately, including a coat, a hat and gloves.

A healthy lifestyle can help prevent cold injuries in older adults

It is advised to adopt a life routine adapted to your medical condition, including several habits which will help you maintain your health in general, and particularly in stormy weather. If you live by yourself, or you are not independent and in need of assistance in one of the following clauses, it is the right time to get help from family members or other caregivers:

• Drinking: even in winter, it is recommended to drink enough water (8-10 glasses a day), even when you are not feeling thirsty.
• Alcohol and coffee: it is advised to avoid drinking alcohol and drinks containing alcohol.
• Nutrition: eating light meals often (5-6 times a day), and avoiding heavy meals may help your general feeling and specifically prevent a cold-related injury.
• Drinking and eating hot food: it is advised to select hot food and drink (but not boiling!) to help maintain body temperature. For example, it is better to eat a hot soup than a sandwich, or drink hot tea instead of cool water.
• Physical activity at home: while staying at home, engage in physical activity and movement to improve blood flow and increase body temperature. Adopt regular habits that will help you, for example, get up every hour and move around the house, or do some exercises while watching television.

How do you identify body temperature decrease (hypothermia)?

Whether you live by yourself or are a caregiver, there are several symptoms that may help identify a body-temperature decrease to the point of hypothermia:

• The house is cold, and the person is inactive or does not act normally.
• At the first stages of body-temperature decrease the following symptoms appear:
  
  • The skin is cold.
  • The fingertips and lips turn blue.
  • There is a decreased alertness.
  • Slight confusion and incoherent speech.

Prolonged hypothermia in older adults

If you suspect the body temperature decreases or experience one of the above-mentioned symptoms, you should act swiftly:

• Call for medical help immediately, and if you can, drive to the emergency room right away.
• If you are taking care of a person who suffers from a cold-related injury, there are several things you can do until help arrives:
  
  • Move the person to a warm and dry place.
  • If the person’s clothes are wet, remove and replace them with dry clothes. Cover the person with blankets.
  • Beware not to shake the person.
  • If the person is conscious, give the person a warm drink with small sips. Help the person drink while holding the cup for the person.

Older adults living alone are at higher risk for cold-related injuries:

• They may find it difficult to heat the house and to take care of themselves (get dressed, eat, drink, etc.).
• They may have a fall at home, and then remain on the cold floor for a long time, a situation that may increase the risk for severe hypothermia).

To prevent cold-related injuries or to help in such situations, this is what you can do for an older person living alone:

• Keep in touch and visit the older person at least once a day, especially in cold and stormy weather. If no relatives live nearby, it is recommended to ask friends, neighbors, or volunteers.
• Make sure the lonely person’s details (name, address, and phone number) are held with the social services in the area of residence, to receive assistance and regular visits, if required.